Tryon Says Quinn’s Closing of Mental Health Institutions and Prisons Will Take a Long Time

A press release from State Rep. Mike Tryon:

Rep. Mike Tryon Responds to Quinn Plan to Close Facilities and Put 1,938 Illinoisans out of Work

Governor Pat Quinn announced his intention today to close seven State facilities and put 1,938 Illinoisans out of work.

In his speech, held at the Thompson Center in Chicago, Quinn said he has begun the process of closing the following facilities in an effort to save money:

  • the Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln,
  • the Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro,
  • the Tinley Park Mental Health Facility,
  • the Singer Mental Health Facility in Rockford,
  • the Chester Mental Health Center,
  • the Mabley Mental Health Center in Dixon and
  • the Jacksonville Developmental Center.

Quinn blamed members of the General Assembly for approving appropriations in the spring that did not adequately fund State government.

State Representative Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) said he stands behind the balanced budget the General Assembly approved earlier this year.

“For the first time in 10 years the General Assembly approved appropriations that force us to live within our means,” said Tryon.

Mike Tryon

“All Governor Quinn seems to want to do is continue with his tax and spend agenda. Illinoisans are contracting their budgets and Illinois government needs to do the same.”

According to Tryon, since the approval of the appropriations Quinn has made no effort to work with the members of the General Assembly to reprioritize the budget and make the most responsible reductions.

“We have a governor who signed an incredibly unfavorable union contract that tied his hands and kept him from being able to make good reforms to State spending,” he said.

“While I am interested in finding ways to save money, I question the sincerity behind what the governor did today.

“This looks like yet another attempt by him to use some of Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens in his push for more borrowing and spending.”

Closing the facilities would be a lengthy process and Quinn said it would take several months.


Comments

Tryon Says Quinn’s Closing of Mental Health Institutions and Prisons Will Take a Long Time — 1 Comment

  1. I hope the citizens of this state realize what type of people are housed in the Chester Mental Facility.

    That is where the mentally ill that have been accused of VIOLENT crimes are sent.

    They have shown violent acts on the outside and inside.

    And now they will be your neighbors.

    Lovely.

    Everyone should be contacting their state reps now to stop this.

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