The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) held a series of public hearings last week to review the proposed closures of three Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities as concerns continue over the loss of state jobs and resources in Downstate Illinois.
The hearings focused on the proposed closures of the DuQuoin Impact Program, Greene County Work Camp and Clayton Work Camp. IDOC announced in August its intention to close the three facilities, along with the Dixon Springs Structured Impact Program, as part of what the Department describes as an effort to “promote public safety and rehabilitation.”
Under Illinois’ State Facilities Closure Act, certain proposed state facility closures must undergo a formal review process, including public hearings and an advisory opinion from CGFA.
Senate Republicans have been critical of the Pritzker Administration’s continued efforts to close, downsize or relocate state facilities in Downstate Illinois. They argue that these decisions have far-reaching consequences for state employees, their families, local economies and communities alike.
CGFA is expected to hold another hearing in Springfield during the first week of the fall Veto Session, when the Commission is expected to vote on its recommendations regarding the proposed closures.
Comments are closed