COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA i &Lafiir j nurnal

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2008

SESSION OF 2008 192ND OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY No. 66

SENATE The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair thanks Reverend Bachman, who is the guest today of Senator Folmer and Senator FRIDAY, November 21, 2008 Robbins. The Senate met at 9:30 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The PRESIDENT pro tempore (Joseph B. Scarnati III) in the (The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those assembled.) Chair. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS PRAYER FAREWELL TO MEMBERS The Chaplain, Reverend RONALD BACHMAN, of Rexmont The PRESIDENT pro tempore. As a special order of business, E.C. Evangelical Congregational Church, Rexmont, offered the the Senate will now proceed with our tributes to our retiring following prayer: Members. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware, Senator Let us pray. Pileggi. Leading into my prayer, I want to just mention two pieces of Senator PILEGGI. Mr. President, today we are honoring a Scripture. From Matthew 12:35, it says, "A good man out of the remarkable group of people. They come from different back- treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things." From Proverbs grounds, including a dairy farmer, a surveyor, and veterans of 12:25, "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good military service. But they all have one thing in common: a pas- word maketh it glad." sion for serving the residents of their districts in this Common- Father God, we want to thank You for this day that You have wealth. All seven Members have made their districts better provided for us. We also, Father God, before we go on with the places to work, to live, and to raise a family. Mr. President, I will prayer, want to remember Senator Armstrong, Senator Fumo, speak briefly about each of the departing Republican Members, Senator LaValle, Senator Madigan, Senator Punt, Senator although I am sure that the same is true about the departing Dem- Regola, and Senator Connie Williams for their efforts here in this ocratic Members as well. State Senate and for all the good work they have done, Father As chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Senator God, and we wish and pray that You will grant them a great re- Armstrong helped change the entire budget process in Pennsylva- tirement of many years. nia. Last year, for the first time under the current administration, Father God, our Creator and our Redeemer and the giver of the final budget contained less spending than the original pro- life abundantly, You tell us in Your word that it is good to give posal. He also insisted that we save the entire Rainy Day Fund. thanks. So we thank You for the safety You have provided Gib's work has put us in a much better position to deal with the through the night past in bringing us to this new day. We thank tough economic times we are now facing. You for these Senators whom You have called to these positions Senator Madigan has been a tremendous leader as chairman of authority, and we ask, Father, that You would grant them wis- of the Committee on Transportation, and before that as chairman dom as they do the business of the State. We also pray, Father of the Committee on Labor and Industry. Roger has also been God, and ask that You would bless the families that they repre- long recognized as a statewide leader on agricultural issues. With sent. less than 2 weeks remaining in his term as a Senator, after many We pray, Father, that if we can do some good today, if we can years of service, Roger did not relax. Instead, earlier this week, serve someone along life's way today, if we can say something he convened a daylong public hearing to collect ideas on how helpful today, Lord, show us how. Father, if we can right a hu- Pennsylvania can properly fund our transportation needs in the man wrong today, if we can help to make someone strong today, future. if we can cheer someone with a smile or a song, Lord, show us Senator Punt has been incredibly effective in bringing eco- how. Father, if we can aid someone in distress today, if we can nomic development to his district. Terry is not someone who make one's burden a little less today, if we can spread more love seeks attention or glory. Instead, he is quietly effective, and the and happiness today, Lord, show us how. And, Father, I ask this people in the 33rd Senatorial District recognize that. He has also prayer in the name of He who said, "Come unto me, all who are been a valuable member of our leadership team. weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Amen. Senator Regola came to Harrisburg 4 short years ago and quickly made his mark. In his first year, he was the prime spon- 2670 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE NOVEMBER 21, sor of legislation that allows homeschooled children to partici- This is a sad day, it really is, but it is not a sad day because I pate in extracurricular activities at public schools. Bob was also am retiring or my good friends are retiring with me, but we have a strong advocate for State support of volunteer fire companies been through a pretty tough week here with Senator Rhoades, his and emergency service providers. service, and Catherine Baker Knoll, and that is really sad. But, I consider all the retiring Members, Republicans and Demo- you know, most days up here have been really good days. A lot crats, to be my good friends. I am confident the seven men and of fun days. women elected to fill the seats of the departing Members will be I look back with fond memories of many important days we outstanding Senators also. But to you, Gib, Roger, Terry, Bob, had up here. Perhaps the most memorable day of all days up here Vince, Jerry, and Connie, all of us here in the Senate and your was seeing Tina Tartaglione walk through that door, of all the constituents will miss you very much. Thank you for the years days I have been here. She said she would do it, and she did it. you have dedicated to the service of your constituents and the It is an honor, we all know that, to serve up here. It is an Commonwealth, and thank you all for your friendship. honor and a privilege, and the people of Lancaster and York who Thank you, Mr. President. sent me here, I truly appreciate what they have done. Being The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the elected by the Caucus as the chairman of the Committee on Ap- gentleman from Philadelphia, Senator Hughes. propriations was really an honor. Senator HUGHES. Mr. President, these are always difficult When I first came to Harrisburg, things were a whole lot dif- moments, when we arrive at this point to see not just our col- ferent. We were over on the other side in a basement, and the leagues but our friends about to move on with the rest of their basement was not fixed up. It had linoleum floors. There were six lives. The Majority Leader has spoken about the significant com- Representatives in the room. We had three secretaries whom we mitments that each of these individuals has made to the course of shared. We had half a secretary. At that time, Representative affairs of the people of Pennsylvania. Wenger and I shared a secretary. We had one WATS line, one We know and have served with Senator Connie Williams, and long-distance phone line, and the people who were there several when she came to the Pennsylvania Senate, she was clearly a years before us said, you are really lucky, before that, we had pay force as soon as she got here, making her mark and lifting up the phones. With us in that group was Senator Madigan. He and I issues that are important and relevant, not just to her own senato- have started and ended at the same time and came to the Senate rial district but to every Pennsylvanian, and having that unique at the same time, and what a true friend he is. Senator Greenleaf, capacity to reach around the country to provide resources and another true friend. It has just been a delight being with Stew and support for our folks here in Pennsylvania. Kelly at different events. And also Senator Piccola, Senator Jerry LaValle we just love. We just love Jerry LaValle be- Wenger, Senator Helfrick, and Senator Mowery are all in that cause of who he is and how he carries himself and the commit- same class together. We came from the House over to the Senate. ment that he made to make a difference for his constituents, but You know, a lot has changed over the years, but a lot is still also to see beyond his own particular region to reach east and the same. We still seal deals up here with a handshake, and I like west, north and south in this Commonwealth, to bridge all kinds that. You know, as a group we are constantly in the arena, kind of differences to forge common good. of like football, a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking. We are And then, of course, there is Senator Fumo. And what do you criticized for taking action or not taking action. We are criticized say after that? Vince Fumo has been a force unto himself, has for doing too little or not going far enough. We have either acted had a clear impact on just about every aspect of the lives of all of too quickly, or we have not acted fast enough. We were criticized us, both in this body and across the Commonwealth. for being a part-time legislature, and then we became more of a All of these individuals, on both sides of the aisle, in the Ma- full-time legislature, and they said, no, we want part-time legisla- jority, our Republican friends, of course on our side our Demo- tors. So it is hard to get it right up here. We get a lot of credit for cratic friends, will be sorely, sorely missed, not just for their things we do, and probably get a lot of credit for things that we incredible commitment but for the relationships that we have did not do. been able to develop over the years, trying to get something done For me, personally, this last Session, and not because I am in for not just our constituents but for the entire Commonwealth. leadership but because of the people who are up here, it has been, You all will be missed, and you all will remain in our hearts. for me, the very best for all the 16 Sessions that I have been in- Thank you very much, Mr. President. volved with in Harrisburg. We passed a budget almost on time, The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair would now call the close to on time. That is pretty good. But what is remarkable is attention of the Members and the guests to the video monitors for of the two budgets I have been involved with, one year we had the video on Senator Gib Armstrong. one person not vote for it, the next year we only had two people (Whereupon, a video tribute of the career of Senator GIBSON who did not vote for it. That was somewhat unprecedented for all E. ARMSTRONG was presented.) the years I have been up here. There has been no rancor in the (Applause.) negotiations we have had, in the budget negotiations. I look over The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the and I see my good friend, Vince. I was surprised to see you, gentleman from Lancaster, Senator Armstrong. Vince, but I heard about these volcanic eruptions that we would Senator ARMSTRONG This is a little more difficult than I have and the arguments and the accusations that went on in some thought it would be. Whoever did that did a really good job, I of these budget hearings. We had none of that. We had none of must say. that. We probably laughed more than anything. We had a good time, but we worked it out. But this Session, working with Sena- 2008 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE 2671 tor Mellow, Senator LaValle, Senator Fumo, Senator Scarnati, Those of you who serve the Senate are some of the most fasci- and Senator Pileggi, we proved that it could be done and that we nating people I have ever been around. An interesting group of could work together and get things done. individuals. You are people who desperately care about your No one really knows, outside of the people in this Chamber, constituents and are constantly trying to improve their quality of no one knows the amount of time these jobs require, time that we life. And it has been great to be a part of it. are constantly away from our families, and it is even worse for God bless you, and Godspeed. you guys out west. You leave, many times, on Sunday, and you (Applause.) go back on Wednesday or Thursday. But the constant juggling of The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair now calls your meals, events, sports, vacations, canceling vacations that you attention to the video for Senator Fumo. planned on, you planned 6 months ago, and all of a sudden you (Whereupon, a video tribute of the career of Senator VIN- cannot go on the vacation. CENT J. FUMO was presented.) But for me, I have been very fortunate. I have a wife who is (Applause.) extremely flexible and has always been there. Events that I could The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the not go to, she showed up with the ubiquitous video camera. I gentleman from Philadelphia, Senator Fumo. think it drove my kids nuts. She was always there with the cam- Senator FUMO. Mr. President, thank you. Thank you, Joe. era, my four children, and she filmed a lot of things that I could This is my last day, and I do not have to be as formal as I would not get to. My sons Gib, Erik, Kris, and my daughter, Erin, I am have to normally be. For me, this is the third time saying good- really proud of them. They have turned out very well, and most bye, and my eyes still well up about it. It has been an amazing 30 of the credit goes to my wife. You also saw on there I have an- years. It has been an amazing privilege, an honor to serve, and I other son, Nikanor, my Russian son. He came over here for a know those words are used so often that they become trite, but visit 5 years ago, and he has not gone home yet. But he went to they are still very meaningful to me and so many people. And I school here, and he got his master's degree, and in fact, he is am glad that I followed Gib, my good friend, and we will be leaving Friday to go back to Russia. leaving together, and Marty and all of the families. I miss And I am very surprised to see, you saw on the film, my clos- Catherine, I miss Jim Rhoades, and quite frankly, for me, I never est friend, other than my wife, Rennie. He and I have done some thought I would be here today. But somehow, God has seen fit to neat things together, gone through the Marine Corps together. He help me to survive and come back. is a Vietnam vet, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and I want to thank Bill Longworth for the great job he did on the also a business partner. I have the unique privilege of having a video. He obviously got my heart strings a little bit. I want to member of my family also serve in the General Assembly, and thank all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for welcoming that is my son Gib. After 10 years in the Marine Corps, he de- me back and for working with me and standing behind me and cided to run for politics. I tried to counsel him about it, but you encouraging me as I go through this tough battle of my life. know, these kids just will not listen. But he did a fine job, and I I want to thank my staff, who have just been absolutely, abso- am very proud of him. lutely phenomenal. And you know, I brag about them all the I taught my kids to--one of the things they probably are tired time, but I can honestly say that I would not be half as successful of my saying is--find a job you love, and you never have to work as I am today and the job that I have done here without them. another day in your life. I found that job, and that job was being They are brilliant. They are dedicated. They work hard. And I in the legislature. It was a lot of fun, and I met some really want to thank the other staffs of the Senate, too, all working hard, unique people, and most of them are in this room. particularly the Republican Committee on Appropriations staff I want to thank my wonderful staff. I cannot use enough su- with whom I have worked over the years. And Gib, I know they perlatives to describe them. They are loyal. They are dedicated. were not contentious this year. Wait until next year, and you They are caring. Tabby Hummer, Amber Boston, Chris Latta, should have been here in 1991. Dave Atkinson. Judy Merrill is back there. She is now with Sena- I want to congratulate all the newly elected leaders on both tor Wonderling. My Appropriations team has worked day and sides of the aisle, particularly the new chairmen of the Committee night. When it gets around to budget time, for 2 and 3 months, on Appropriations, Jay and Jake. I am glad that Gib and I left you they are up here sometimes 24 hours a day. Literally, 24 hours a with an easy budget for your first one. I know you will enjoy it day. They are here Saturdays. They are here Sundays. Whatever immensely, but I also say this: it is not an impossible task if you it takes to get the job done, they do it, and they never complain. work hard enough and listen to the staffs that you have. You In my district office, Lisa Haldy and Bob Thompson have been know, the staffs are like a top sergeant. You guys may be cap- with me a long time, along with Mitch Hanna, now. tains and lieutenants, but listen to the top sergeants. They have I want to also thank my friends who came here today, which been here. They understand it. They will guide you through it. totally surprised me. I saw Steve Powell in there. It is kind of This will be a tough year, but I know you will get through it. To neat to see him here today. And my fellow Senators and staff, the the other staffs, Steve MacNett and C.J. and so many other peo- staff we have up here is unbelievable. I have been through the ple with whom I have worked over the years, thank you. Thank process, and I have had my hands on the process. You know you so much. what? I still do not know how it works, I mean, how this all co- Joe, to you and Dominic, it certainly has been a change mes together at the right time with all the amendments and every- around here, and things have been a lot less cantankerous and thing else. It is the staff. It is the staff that makes us look good. contentious, and I think that because of that, we have gotten a lot But it happens. And it is just magic how it happens. more done. And as I said the first time I said goodbye that I 2672 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE NOVEMBER 21, wanted you all to remember one thing, and that would be to try to do. It just happened that after I left schoolteaching, I got tre- to work together as much as possible and take away as much as mendously interested in doing something in government. I came possible the partisan politics that is always a factor in this profes- here, and all of my staff who worked with Senator Ross, whom sion of ours. There are good Democratic ideas. There are good I replaced, are still here. I had a great staff. They did a tremen- Republican ideas. There are good Republican solutions and dous job, both here and in my district. Democratic solutions, and I think that if you, on both sides of the As I said, I have been blessed to-- my colleagues on the Dem- aisle, learn to recognize that and work with each other, not only ocratic side allowed me to serve in a leadership position, both as will the people of the Commonwealth be better for it, but you Caucus Secretary and as chairman of the Committee on Appro- yourselves will experience the comradery of having faced tough priations, for a number of years since I have been here, and it has tasks, as we certainly have today in this economy, and solved been a real experience for me. problems for people who look to you to help them solve their The good thing is that there are so many great people here. problems. You take such a beating anymore from the public and from the I always said that when I got elected, I was not deified and press, and one thing I am going to do when I leave here is go that we do not walk around here in togas and sandals, but people back and let people know what a great job people up here do. I still look to us for help. They look to us to help them with their started here--and I am looking at Senator Madigan--and when I problems. I have always said that government's main responsibil- first came here, I was on the fourth floor. I have never left the ity is to help those who cannot help themselves. But now, that fourth floor. Senator Madigan and Senator Wenger and I, we number has grown so large that even people with good jobs are shared that complex up there. They put Republicans and Demo- afraid. People with great companies are afraid, and they are look- crats together in those days, and we got to be great friends, Sena- ing to us to help them in any way we can, and with the help of tor Madigan and Senator Wenger and I, and I appreciated their God, I know that you will. And certainly, starting December 1, help and their cooperation over the years. I will be looking to you and my successor, Larry Farnese, to help But, you know, as I said, I do not think I have ever had a diffi- my problems. But life goes on, the Senate goes on, government cult time with anyone here, and I appreciate that. It is just a great goes on, and the needs of people go on, and it is our job to solve institution. I can remember what--I think it was--John Regoli said them. as he was leaving here, and I never forgot, I think his final state- Again, I want to thank everybody so very, very much from the ment was, it always registered with me, it is something like, it is bottom of my heart. I love you all. Thank you, and Godspeed. not what the people out there do to us, it is what we do to our- (Applause.) selves in here. And if we here could work together, those folks The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair now calls your who want to be critics of people in government have nothing to attention to the tribute for Senator LaValle. say if we can work together. I think Senator Fumo said it well. (Whereupon, a video tribute of the career of Senator GER- This is an institution where you need to work together to get the ALD J. LaVALLE was presented.) kind of things done that you want to do, and I think that is what (Applause.) the public has to understand. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the Certainly, I am going to miss it. I am going to miss all the gentleman from Beaver, Senator LaValle. folks whom I have had the opportunity to be friends with, from Senator LaVALLE. Mr. President, in keeping with my policy staff to all of my colleagues here. And again, just let me say one of always being very brief, I think that is one of my virtues. I do more time, I appreciate having had the opportunity to serve. I am not talk very long because I do not like to really penalize people. not going to say that-- I think Vince said, I love you all. The But I do want to make sure that I start out by saying how much thing with me is I am going to miss all of you, and I appreciate I appreciate having been here. I have been here 18 1/2 years, and your friendship. Maybe I will not go away completely. Maybe I as I noted, a lot of people who were here when I first came are no will just drive up here sometime to encourage you. And I want to longer here for one reason or another. I had such a good relation- wish all of you luck because, apparently, you are going to need ship with Senator Clarence Bell, who is a little older than I am, a lot of good luck over the next couple of years. not that much, I guess, and I always said if I last long enough, I So again, let me just say thank you to all of you: the staff; want to last as long as Senator Bell did here. He was just such a colleagues; my good friend, Senator Scarnati, who has always great guy, and so many other people here that I have had to deal been a gentleman; Senator Pileggi; Senator Mellow, who has with over the years. always been a leader whom I appreciated; Senator Fumo; and all Starting with staff, people in security, and all of my col- of my colleagues here. And again, let me say very clearly, Jay, I leagues. One of the things I am going to miss, I think, more than will miss my meetings at the Holiday Inn. anything is the Holiday Inn crew. We have a group of guys from Thank you very much. out west who stay at the Holiday Inn and spend a lot of time to- (Applause.) gether out there just clowning around or doing the kinds of things The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair now calls your people do. Of course, I am probably old enough to be the father attention to the tribute for Senator Madigan. of everybody in that crew. Those are younger guys. (Whereupon, a video tribute of the career of Senator ROGER But so you all know, I never really expected to be here. I came A. MADIGAN was presented.) here from a county commissioner's position. As a matter of fact, (Applause.) I never thought I would be in any position, from council to mayor The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the to county commissioner. It just was not something I was looking gentleman from Bradford, Senator Madigan. 2008 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE 2673

Senator MADIGAN. After that, I am not sure I have the abil- over here, I would not have been as successful in serving the ity to say much beyond "thank you." But as I sat there-- and last people of the 23rd District as I have been, and they are great week I was starting to write things in my mind that I wanted to people. say about things that have happened in each of the five counties Many of them, and many people tried to say, well, you have that I represented, actually six, because Senator Scarnati stole got to run again, we cannot lose you. But there comes a time one from me a few years ago. But I do thank him for honoring when you have served your service, and it has been a great ser- me with naming of a portion of Route 15. vice. And I am pleased with the Members of my Caucus, the When I came to the Senate, people said to me, well, we have Members of the Democratic Caucus, that we have had the plea- all of this expansion of Route 15 north to the New York border sure of working together. I thank you very much, and God bless planned, but we do not have any money. And that became one of all of you in your futures. my goals as a Senator, to do what I could do to get that done. (Applause.) Earlier this year, we were able to dedicate the last section going The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair now calls your into New York State. And thanks to Joe, that has a name for me. attention to the video on Senator Punt. In all of the years I have been here, I have always said I do not (Whereupon, a video tribute of the career of Senator TERRY want anything named after me, but now I have a library and a L. PUNT was presented.) highway. (Applause.) So it has been a great run, and it has been a pleasure to work The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the with all of the Members. And over those, actually, over 32 years gentleman from Franklin, Senator Punt. with the House and Senate, there have been a lot of great people. Senator PUNT. Mr. President, I am really taken aback by the Going back to when I was in the House, finishing my first term, video piece, those wonderful words, and it is very difficult for me I thought to myself, if I am never reelected, I have met a great to stand here today as I am seeing 30 years come to an end. bunch of people and worked with them in the House, and that has When I first came here, I can assure you, I never thought I carried through in my service in the Senate as well. It has been a would be here this long. The thought never crossed my mind. bipartisan thing, and I have been pleased that it could happen. When I first ran, I said to the voters that I would like the job, I Senator LaValle, as he pointed out, we spent one Session on the want the job, give me a chance, and if you do not like the job I fourth floor, and we said, well, we are going to start the biparti- have done in 2 years, vote me out. I only made one promise, and san process in the Senate of Pennsylvania, because as he out- that promise was that I would do my very best. lined, there were two Republicans and two Democrats in that As I stand here 30 years later, I have kept my promise, and I complex, and we got along well. And I think it sets the stage that have given my best. In those years, we have seen over $17.2 we have to work together to do the best for the people of the billion come back to my district in funding for highways, eco- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. nomic development projects, education, farm preservation pro- It is somewhat bittersweet for me today, because it is the last grams, a host of programs. We have seen, through our economic day I will be sitting in the same seat that my father sat in when he development initiatives, the retention or creation of 43,000 jobs served in the Senate, and that has been important to me, and with in my county. Over those years, I have cast over 62,000 roll-call a dollar or more, you can buy a cup of coffee. But by the same votes. And we have had over 611,000 constituents contact my token, another treasure that I have that means a lot to me is the offices for help, complaining about something, or sharing their fact that Senator Anthony Williams and I are the two Senators for thoughts with me on legislation. whom both our fathers and ourselves served in both the House It has been a wonderful, wonderful 30 years. It is a job that -- and Senate in Pennsylvania. And here again, that is something you know how you are when you have a hobby that you love to special to me, may not be to everyone, but to follow in his foot- do, but you cannot do it all the time because you are not finan- steps has meant a lot to me. cially independent, you are not wealthy enough to do it. Well, But the things that have meant the most are the friendships that is how I feel about my job. I have been fortunate enough to that I have made with the Members and with the staff. Without be paid to do my hobby. I would wake up every day looking our staff, we cannot do the job that we have done. And to my forward to going to work. Oh, I have had moments during those staff, who was planted on that tractor, I have to say-- well, one of days, but I have loved every, every bit of it. Memories, unbeliev- the things that over the years, and especially in the Senate, is they able. have named themselves Team Madigan, and without that, and I I saw Brad Mallory on the video. I remember when Secretary know for each and every one of us, without that dedicated team Howard Yerusalim was Secretary of Transportation, and I working with you and for you and covering the bases, we could wanted some highway projects done in the district, and we only not have done the jobs that we had. had 100 million new dollars available for construction in the I have had two great staff people. Phil DiMartile, who is now State, and I had projects in my district for $34 million. Well, I retired, was my chief of staff, but when we were doing labor needed $9 million more, so I called Howard and spoke with him, issues, I said, well, let us start on it, we will see what happens, and he said, Terry, I have a map in my office of all the highway and we were successful. And they are some of the treasures that projects that we have in the State. We only have 100 million new I take away from here. And the same with my current staff in dollars. He said, you are already getting $34 million. If you look transportation. Craig Shuey has done an outstanding job. He is at this map, I have pins in the State where all of these projects are respected, and without people like that and all the others sitting to be. He said, the eye focuses right on your district. And I said, 2674 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE NOVEMBER 21,

Mr. Secretary, that is wonderful. I believe in foreign aid. I do. I surface or not. So when I walk, I stagger, wobble, and fall down. believe in sharing those dollars, but I ended up getting the addi- That is why I need the cane now. I do not know what I would say tional $9 million for the projects. if I ever got stopped at a sobriety checkpoint sometime. I do not But there are all kinds of memories, and there are so many, know if they would believe me or not. many to thank. First and foremost is my family. My son is with When the doctors diagnosed that, obviously, there is no cure me this morning, and my daughter. Chris is a disabled Iraqi War for that, but there is also no treatment for that. I was on an exper- vet. He served in the Army for 4 years. He graduated from high imental medication from Hershey for a year and a half, and it did school and left for the Army. In fact, he joined the Army on the absolutely nothing. It is progressively getting worse. It can take delayed entry program even before September 11, and he gradu- me 10, 15 minutes to button my shirt. I have to go to my next ated that year and left for the service. I am so proud of what he door neighbor or my staff to button a collar in the morning be- has done for this country and being part of that team. cause I cannot utilize my fingers to get the button through the My daughter, Erin, has just been the joy of my life. She lights hole. me up all the time, and she just blessed me with a grandson 4 When you go out and start your car, you just turn the key and months ago, my first grandchild. I am so proud of both of them start your car. I cannot do that anymore. I have to put the palm of and of Phoenix. my hand against the key, wrap my whole hand around the igni- You know, they have sacrificed and given so much. All they tion, and try to turn the entire ignition to start the car. I cannot have known in their entire lives is that of me in public life, in open a soda bottle cap. I had to call the hotel clerk last night, public service. And they have sacrificed so much, and I thank after we had our retirement dinner, and ask the hotel clerk to them. I love them dearly for all that they have given and shared come back and just open the twist top. with me. The reason I am saying this, folks, and not only to the Mem- My other family, my staff. I know you are all proud of your bers here, but to all of those who can hear my voice -- stop what- staff, and you all take issue with what I say, but I think I have ever you are doing this second, and please listen. If you, a mem- assembled the greatest staff in the world. They have been with ber of your family, a loved one, or a friend is told that you are me, they have done so, so much. Of the 611,000 constituent con- borderline to becoming diabetic, please take it seriously. It will tacts, they probably have handled 96 percent of them. You never alter and change your life. Exercise, diet, and pay attention to the know what you are going to get on the other end of that phone doctor. I did not, and I am feeling it today. I can tell you first- when somebody calls. God, sometimes you do not want to know. hand how difficult some simple things are. I cannot run, walk, go But they have handled it professionally. They are totally dedi- hiking up in the mountains anymore, do anything that I could do cated and committed and loyal. Sally, my chief of staff, has been 3 years ago. Take it seriously, please. with me 30 years. Now, to get out of the doghouse, she was only And if I may, as I leave now, again, I want to thank you so 10 when I hired her. And Barb has been with me 25 years. Shel- much. I have never had a harsh word with a Member here in the ley, 22 years. Skip, 20 years. Anne, 18 years. I cannot get rid of Senate over the 20 years I have been here or the 10 years in the them. No, I am so, so fortunate, so very, very lucky. I am really House. In fact, I can only remember 1 day that I actually got going to miss all of you, and especially this job that we all trea- upset, and that was in 1982, when Senator Coppersmith of the sure and enjoy. I have been privileged to work 30 years in a Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare held a commit- place that I call the chapel of democracy. And that is what we tee hearing on my welfare reform workfare legislation, and I are. We are members of that congregation, and I believe fer- went to the hearing, and it was not a pretty sight. It just was not vently in our system and our government. a pretty sight. I came back into my office, Sally was sitting there, And if I may, Mr. President, just one final thought I would I got my book, and I threw it across the office, and it bounced off like to share, and it is more personal than anything. As you know, the wall. It was not a pretty sight. But that is the only time in 30 I have had all kinds of health issues for the last 9 years, and when years that I ever got angry about anything or lost my temper. I turned 51, that is when I had my first heart attack. In the next 4 Well, I take it back. Another time, the phone would not work, years, I had six heart attacks. I guess it was 5 years ago I had and I threw that in the trash can. But other than that, everything quadruple bypass surgery, and I have had five stents placed since has just been wonderful. then, and cataract surgery 3 years ago, now hearing aids. Also with me today, besides Chris and Erin and my other Seven years ago, they diagnosed me with diabetes, and that is family, my staff, who have done so much, is a person who is like what I would like to mention, if I may, something about. I did not a brother to me, Warren Eliot, and his wife, Donna. I got to know take it seriously. I felt fine. I could go, run, do what I could al- Warren 28 years ago. He started off as a poll worker for me, and ways do, but I did not take it seriously. And then it caught up then when I ran for the Senate 20 years ago, he chaired my cam- with me. Once you become diabetic, you are going to be diabetic paign, and has chaired our effort ever since. Seventeen years ago, for the rest of your life. There is no cure. There is treatment, but I met a young man going to college. He did an internship with there is no cure. I have had to take pills, and I have to give my- me. He graduated from college 15 years ago, and I asked him if self shots twice a day now. That is all so-so. he would like to come and work with me. He did. He worked for Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a side effect of the me for 5 years, and that person is Senator-elect Rich Alloway, diabetes called polyneuropathy. It attacks your nerve endings in who will be succeeding me. your limbs and eats away the muscle tissue. My hands are in pain Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the every second of every hour of every day. I have no feeling when courtesies, the niceties, the kind words, the thoughts. With all my I place my feet on the ground. I cannot tell if they are flat on the health issues, so many took the time to drop me a note or send 2008 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE 2675 me some flowers or healthy food. It was so wonderful to enjoy. But you are my foundation, you make me strong, and I love Thank you. I have lived a wonderful life. And as we close this 30 you. years, I want to thank my district for allowing me the honor and Wherever I go, from this day on, I will never forget and I will the privilege to represent them for the past 30 years. truly cherish my time as a Pennsylvania Senator. I will miss you Thank. you, may God bless you, and God bless America. all. God bless. Until we meet again, Godspeed. (Applause.) (Applause.) The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair now calls your The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair now calls your attention to the video tribute for Senator Regola. attention to the video tribute for Senator Connie Williams. (Whereupon, a video tribute of the career of Senator ROB- (Whereupon, a video tribute of the career of Senator CON- ERT T. REGOLA III was presented.) STANCE H. WILLIAMS was presented.) (Applause.) (Applause.) The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Westmoreland, Senator Regola. gentleman from Allegheny, Senator Costa. Senator REGOLA. Mr. President, it is never easy speaking Senator COSTA. Mr. President, as my colleagues and our near the end, since so much has already been said. It is even more guests can see, I am not Connie Williams, but it truly is my honor difficult when a rookie like me has to follow all these seasoned to stand here today in her place. Senator Williams is not able to veterans, and I promise you, as you always know, I am more on join us today, but I thought that we needed to provide some com- the brief side, so I will keep my remarks brief. Those of you ments on the record to talk about some of the fine work that she know during the caucus discussions, it is not often that I speak. has done. When I did, I thought I had a point, a message, and you were Senator Connie Williams has served the citizens of the 17th always there listening, so I will be brief today. District since 2001, and prior to that, she served for a number of It has truly been an honor and privilege for me to serve as a years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She has Member of the Pennsylvania Senate. Even as I walk out of the served, over the past 4 years, as Caucus Administrator in the Chamber today, I take with me so many cherished memories, and Democratic Caucus. And I can tell you, in her role, her quick I am strengthened by the many deep friendships and bonds that ascension to that position in our Caucus was noteworthy, and she I have with the men and women whom I have worked with over conducted herself in that role very well. the past 4 years. Connie has been active in a number of issues. You heard a I have had the privilege of working with so many dedicated little bit about some of those issues in the video that we just saw. Members, people who truly give their best efforts, day in and day More recently, she served as the chairperson of the Committee on out, to serve the constituents of their districts and the people of Communications and Technology, where over the years, initially, our great Commonwealth. I want to thank each and every one of she worked with Senator Corman to conduct some pretty signifi- my colleagues for their efforts and for their friendship. I will cant reforms to the telecommunications industry and, more re- truly miss you. cently, spoke a lot about the collaborative efforts of her and Sen- I particularly would like to thank Senator Scarnati, Joe; Sena- ator Wonderling in the southeastern part of the State, a number tor Pileggi, Dominic; former Senator Jubelirer; and former Sena- of times of programs and initiatives and things that they were tor Brightbill for their support over the past 4 years. Without doing, particularly in the southeastern part of the State, always their support, Westmoreland County would not have grown so encouraging the Members to be a part of that, because she felt much. Things just do not happen because I am a Senator. Things that was very, very important. And she spoke very highly of the happen because you work together and you are working with a working relationships that she developed both with Senator great group of people who listened to me, visited my district, and Corman and Senator Wonderling. truly pushed money that way. Thank you, guys. Connie has also been very active and a strong advocate for I also want to thank my staff, both here in Harrisburg and in women, as we heard and saw, and children, and more signifi- the district, for their efforts and for their dedication. They made cantly, as it relates to the children, the work that she did in bring- the day-by-day processes run smoothly, and they helped literally ing to culmination the fine work that Senator Greenleaf had done thousands of people in Westmoreland County over the past 4 a number of years before that in dealing with the issue of bully- years. I cannot compare to Senator Punt, because he was here 30 ing. And I want to commend Senator Greenleaf and Senator Wil- years, so my numbers are not where his were, but I can honestly liams for that very, very important piece of legislation. She has say in the district alone, we were somewhere between 11,000 and also been a champion for causes such as autism, Lupus, as well 15,000 in that short period. as children's health. I also want to thank my staff for their dedication and commit- Over the years, Senator Williams has received a number of ment over the past 2 years, which have been extremely difficult awards, some of which include being named in 2008 as the Penn- for me, and you all stuck together with me, as did my colleagues. sylvania Bio's State Public Official of the year. She has also en- Last but not least, I want to thank my family for always being joyed a Federation of Democratic Women award and the Jeanette there for me. Today, my family is off to my right. My lovely Reibman--Senator Jeanette Reibman, one of the former col- wife, Janette, my children, my mom, dad, aunt, sister. Excuse me. leagues here--Jeanette Reibman Memorial Award in 2007. She I am pulling another Bob Jubelirer up here today. has also received awards from the Pennsylvania Commission for (Laughter.) Women, as well as the Women's History Month award in 2007. In 2004, she was appointed by Governor Rendell to serve as a 2676 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE NOVEMBER 21, member and a representative on the board of directors of the Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. And those of you who Marlin Zerbe, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Slater, Mr. and Mrs. Max know Connie know that she is a tremendously strong advocate Hoffman, Ethel Dragon, Matthew Showalter, Richard G. for the arts as well. Hoxworth, Randall L. Hess, Alice Fowler, Jeff Funk, Lancaster She is a Fellow at the Philadelphia Academy of Physicians, a Bible College and Graduate School, Hospice of Lancaster member of the board of trustees at The Episcopal Academy, a County and to Tel Haven Apartments of Honey Brook by Sena- former trustee at Barnard College, The Baldwin School, and Pine tor Brubaker. Manor College, and a member of the Trustees' Council of Penn Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Andrew Women and the Forum of Executive Women. Zourides by Senators Brubaker and Armstrong. Mr. President, I submit to you that Connie Williams has al- Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Love fam- ways served not only this Caucus, our Caucus, but this Chamber ily of East Waterford, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Krout, Mr. and Mrs. and our Commonwealth, in particular the 17th District, with great Stanley C. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Bell, Mr. and Mrs. pride and great dedication. She will be missed. On behalf of my Harold Brookhart, Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Yoder, Mr. and Mrs. colleagues, I would like to wish her the best of luck in her future Kenneth L. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Hesser, Mr. and Mrs. endeavors, and we are certain that whatever path Senator Wil- Walter M. Amtower, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Imes, Mr. and Mrs. liams follows, she will be successful. Clarence R. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin W. Wagner, Mas- Thank you, Mr. President. ter Sergeant Daryl R. Johnson, Master Sergeant Ralph The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair wishes to thank the McNaughton, Barry Enck, Joseph R. Tabb, Sr., Kathy Queitzsch, many family members, staff, and guests who are here today for Adams Lodge 319 of the Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsyl- these tributes to our retiring Members, and may we wish all the vania, The Pennsylvania State University Women's Volleyball retiring Members a safe, healthy, prosperous future. May God Team and to the Lewistown Assembly of God Church by Senator bless each one of you. Corman. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. CONGRATULATORY RESOLUTIONS Mike Balego, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Quinn,i the Honorable Law- The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate the fol- rence Wilner Kaplan, Michael Donahue, Jason Tarap, Victoria lowing resolutions, which were read, considered, and adopted by Butch, Edward Kanai, Kurt Vogelsberger, Mary Pat Lavery, voice vote: Kathy O'Toole, Mary Lou Walczak, Louie Sciulli, Steve Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Thomas W. DeFlitch, Judy Fisher, Gloria Sciulli, Brighid Kelly, Kayla Marie Starke by Senator Armstrong. Walczak, Michael McCarthy, Jason Wheeler and to Tom Kolos Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Reverend by Senator Costa. and Mrs. James H. Slapinski, Mr. and Mrs. Hank Bartos, Mr. and Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Eric Michael Mrs. George Brick, Mr. and Mrs. John P. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, Katharine Leach, Melissa Gibbons, Lillian Middleton, Carl Grabner, Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Walsh, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Herbert E. Balian, McKesson Health Solutions of Malvern and Latorra, David P. Hourigan, Edward Hartman, Allan Stroud, to the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester by Senator Arvilla Zosh, Kenneth Box, Anna Jo Scutt, Sara Shaffer, Dinniman. Samantha Marie Ruppert, Meghan Pietraccini and to Troop 60 Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Michael J. of the Boy Scouts of America of Mountain Top by Senator LaRosa by Senators Dinniman and Rafferty. Baker. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Michael Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Dylan Zick by Mankosa, Andrew Loomis, Karl Schwartz and to Justin Senators Baker and Musto. O'Connell by Senator Earll. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Wyoming Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Joshua Seminary College Preparatory School Field Hockey Team by Rimmey, Dustin Charles Weaver, Roy E. Cook, Jr., Tyler John Senators Baker, Mellow, and Musto. Noey and to Dorothy Johnson Bush by Senator Eichelberger. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Homer Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Andrew Schmoyer, Michael Perry Colao, Joanne Messenlehner and to Pawloski and to Richard Kern by Senator Erickson. Jessica Cygan by Senator Boscola. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Anthony Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Goreczny by Senator Ferlo. Theodore Mucellin, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Bingham, Mr. and Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Robert Mrs. Bernard A. Buhosky, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Volz, Mr. Stricek, Richard Wolfe III and to Timothy Reitnouer by Senator and Mrs. Michael Rooney, Louise Tusak, Tyler Minnich, Brian Folmer. J. McCormick, Gladys Copley, Charles Joseph Ferguson, Jr., Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Margaret M. Paul Ferrera, Sheri M. Snyder and to James M. Carl by Senator Murphy by Senators Folmer and Mcllhinney. Browne. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Yost, Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hess, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Willard J. Walter by Senators Browne and Wonderling. Derr, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Bergan, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. David Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Dr. Eric Shade, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond T. Homiak, Mr. and Mrs. Russel Gertner and to Pathways of Allentown by Senator Browne and Reiner, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph A. Lindenmuth, Jr., the Honorable others. Samuel C. Ranck, Pamela Wildt, Leonard E. Bason, Doris 2008 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE 2677

Spiece, Richard L. Fetterman, Harriet E. Adams, Anna Amarose, Palacios, the Bethel Park High School Football Team, the Tyler David Russell, Tyler Charles Rosini and to Mary Alice Thomas Jefferson High School Football Team and to the Bonawitz by Senator Gordner. Sewickley Academy Boys' Varsity Golf Team by Senator Pippy. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Roland Clayton, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Desch, Jr., Jonathan Dean McGraw, the Honorable Andrew J. Paravis, Alexander E. Robert Gaston, Thomas A. Baldwin and to Ryan Michael On by Dreher, Matthew O'Boyle, Benjamin F. Anstrand, Tyler John Senator Greenleaf. Miles, Gregory S. Herb, Robert J. Pile, Andrew T. Betz, Michael Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Bilal Abdul J. Heimbach, Steven J. Mastrocola, Jr., Grigorie V. Draghici, Qayyum and to the Fellowship Christian Church of Philadelphia Audubon Recreation Association 10-Year-Old All-Star Baseball by Senator Hughes. Team, Audubon Recreation Association 11-Year-Old All-Star Congratulations of the Senate were extended to William Baseball Team, Keenan, Ciccitto and Associates of Collegeville Knight by Senator Kasunic. and to the Spring-Ford High School Marching Band of Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Reverend Royersford by Senator Rafferty. Dr. Ronald King Hill, the Reverend Clement M. Lupton III, Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the members Eugenia Nealis, Leroy Mickens, Ruth Helen Washington, Helen of the 733rd Transportation Company of the United States Army McCrary-Salahuddin, Ali Salahuddin, Maisha Sullivan-Ongoza, Reserve by Senators Rafferty and O'Pake. Ansa Wilson-Bey, Wesley Wilson-Bey, Leah DeBarr Reeves, Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Honorable Doris Dukes, Harold L. Fisher, Annamae Law, Tyshaan Wil- William T. Nicholas by Senator Rafferty and others. liams, J. Denise Barnes, D'aone Johnson, Eric Wainwright, Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Titusville Anetta G. Gowans, Audrey P. Washington and to Ella L. Area Senior Citizens Corporation by Senator Robbins. Sherman by Senator Kitchen. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Reverend Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Ronald K. and Mrs. Joseph Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Dickey, Mr. and Randic, Clairton High School Football Team and to the citizens Mrs. Rudy LaBrasca, Kayla Carpenter, Jim McKean, Jared T. of the City of Lower Burrell by Senator Logan. Ishman, Gloria Martino, Erich Petsch, Caleb W. Krick and to Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Jacob Alexan- New Choices/New Options of Bradford by Senator Scarnati. der Smith, Christopher K. Williams, Beau Pierre LaChance, Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Steven Rovner Ryan K. Jones, Doro M. Kerr, Christian Samuel Rees and to by Senator Stack. Timothy Scott Eichlin by Senator Mcllhinney. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Nikolaj John Dupesko and to Eleanor H. Smith by Senator Stout. Folmer by Senators Mcllhinney and Tomlinson. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Chief Frank Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Richard C. X. McKenna, Kristin Benhayon, Amethyst Bush, Edward Marquardt, Sr., by Senator Mellow. Wimmersberger, Dawn Alstatt, James Fox, John Gould, Alex Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Stanley J. Gross, Michael Wallover, Joy Rose, Joanne Wimmersberger, Czapracki, Amanda Faust, Irene Filippini and to Rory F. Koons Trudy Gryniewicz, Sue Mellodge, Kathy Huber, Anna Marie by Senator Musto. Shedaker and to Christopher Anthony Stahmann by Senator Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Dr. Raquel Tomlinson. Otero de Yiengst, Cadet Captain Kate L. Stillinger, Andrew M. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Anton J. Katzenmoyer, Adam J. Frederick, Matthew L. Kleckner, Alex Leppler by Senators Tomlinson and Pileggi. Turner, Garrett P. Krick, Dick Hoxworth, Barbara I. Kittrell and Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Elizabeth to Angelo Di Maria by Senator O'Pake. Citak by Senators Tomlinson and Washington. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Christopher Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Dashell Rob- Sciulli, Daniel P. Cesnalis, Christina Marie Cowan, Michael ert Fittry, Jean L. Beatty, Robert B. Buckbee, Sr., Benjamin Sang Won Park, Dinesh Palanisamy, Aaron Bradley Volpert, Thomas Rudnick, Junaid H. Emadi, Eugene R. Miller, James Craig Joseph Connelly, Aaron B. Watson, Ryan A. Notzen, Kyle Thackery Kateluzos, Robert Clemm, Ralph C. Bowersox, Rich- D. Giel, Ryan Andrew Cecala, Presents for Patients of Gibsonia ard Chambers, Camp Hill Fire Company No. 1 and to the and to the Housing Authority of the County of Butler by Senator Mechanicsburg Area High School Marching Band by Senator Orie. Vance. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Master Ser- Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Jan Harris, geant Joseph Thomas Garritano, Sergeant First Class Pamela J. Herman B. Dubin, Deborah Miller Nixon and to Bertha Bellamy Fuller, George C. Glendening and to Anteil, Inc., of Harrisburg, by Senator Washington. by Senator Piccola. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Honorable Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Reverend Jeffrey A. Blum, Chief Shanan A. Poe, Daniel M. Flinchbaugh, Dr. Joyce E. Scott, the Honorable Frank Murphy, Eileen Weiser, Kyle M. Holtzman, Daniel E. Shenberger, Brandon Ness, Brooks Geraldine Coleman, Jacobina Priest, Ian Robert McCampbell, T. Anderson, Jackie Taylor, Craig A. Watkins and to David J. Maxwell Triviets, Elizabeth Loughney and to Ortrud Price by Moler by Senator Waugh. Senator Pileggi. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Scott A. James Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wayne Aikins, Mr. and Carter, Brian R. Fuller, William J. Hinzman, Jr., Richard Francis Mrs. Al Murtha, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Weiss, Mr. and Mrs. Walter 2678 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL - SENATE NOVEMBER 21,

Frank Friday, Mr. and Mrs. James Clawson, Mr. and Mrs. Jack A posthumous citation honoring the late Jack McCaffrey was Claypoole, Mr. and Mrs. James Donald Buffone, Mr. and Mrs. extended to the family by Senator Costa. Morton Hersch, Goldie Ryen Pardee, Arthur Pardee and to Posthumous citations honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther Zachary Taylor Hart by Senator D. White. King, Jr., were extended to Bethel Baptist Church of Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Phoenixville, West Chester University, Historic Kennett Square William E. Deal, Mr. and Mrs. Buddy L. Paden, Sr., Mr. and and to the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Mrs. Edward Hartle, Mr. and Mrs. Russell McNany, Mr. and Coatesville by Senator Dinniman. Mrs. William Barletta, Andrew Morgan Evans and to Willem A posthumous citation honoring the late Charles Irons was Charles Evans by Senator M.J. White. extended to the family by Senator Scarnati. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Sarah Rosetta Collins Adams Mack and to William Armstead by Senator A.H. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR Williams. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. All Members, please report to Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. the first floor well of the Senate immediately after recess for William A. Vargo, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Barndt, Michael those who are attending the Lieutenant Governor's memorial Keenan, Emma E. Welsh, Wendell B. Smith, James Gordon today. Diedzic, Ryan Thomas Little, Frederick William Rath, John K. Debczak, Derek Brooks Hartman, Karl Stirner, Andrew W. RECESS Semanick, Nancy Keenan, Andrew Anthony Yost, Emmaus Cho- rale of Macungie and to Lafayette College of Easton by Senator The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, the Senate Wonderling. stands in recess until the call of the President pro tempore. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Ethel Harriet Mansell by Senators Wonderling and Boscola. (NOTE: The Senate did not reconvene but Session constitu- Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Daniel S. tionally expired November 30, 2008, at 12 o'clock midnight.) Wessner, Tom Luff and to the Emmaus High School Girls Var- sity Cross Country Team by Senators Wonderling and Browne. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Dr. Frank J. D'Agostino, Dr. Stephen R. Murray, Dr. William A. Harada and to Dr. Agatha H. Costanza by Senators Wonderling, Boscola, and Browne. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to the Honorable Lawrence J. Brenner and to the Honorable Alan M. Black by Senator Wonderling and others. Congratulations of the Senate were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Telford Wayne Allison, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Ernest Vargo, Bobbie Jo Simcox, Charles J. Smith, R. Stewart Ramm and to Patrick Warren Moon-Rhoades by Senator Wozniak. CONDOLENCE RESOLUTIONS The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate the fol- lowing resolutions, which were read, considered, and adopted by voice vote: Condolences of the Senate were extended to the family of the late Alvin Smith, Jr., by Senator Kitchen. Condolences of the Senate were extended to the family of the late Peggy Hoffman Adams by Senator Mcllhinney. Condolences of the Senate were extended to the family of the late George I. Sillman by Senator O'Pake. Condolences of the Senate were extended to the family of the late Samuel Hicks by Senator Orie. Condolences of the Senate were extended to the family of the late Carol Ann Campbell by Senator Washington. POSTHUMOUS CITATIONS The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate the fol- lowing citations, which were read, considered, and adopted by voice vote: