Lawmakers want more information on Quinn closures

SPRINGFIELD | The Quinn administration may have to scuttle its plan to shut down two state facilities without having to explain details of the closures to lawmakers.

The chairman of a legislative panel charged with reviewing the closure of large state institutions said Thursday he wants officials to provide further information about the governor's controversial proposal to shutter the Jacksonville Developmental Center and a mental hospital in Tinley Park.

"It may be a wise decision for the administration to come before the commission to provide additional details," said state Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, D-Evanston, who chairs the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

The panel, known as COGFA, was formed after former Gov. Rod Blagojevich attempted to shutter state facilities without outside input. Although their decision is non-binding, members of the commission can vote to support or oppose closures.

The panel held a series of hearings last year on an earlier bid by Quinn to close Jacksonville, Tinley Park and five other facilities. In each case, the commission voted to oppose the governor's plan.

When they announced the latest closure scenario last week, top aides to the governor said it would be unnecessary to hold a second round of hearings.

But on Wednesday, after learning of Schoenberg's plans, Quinn spokeswoman Brie Callahan said the administration would attend any sessions the lawmaker schedules.

"While we have not received a request from COGFA, we are, of course, happy to sit down with the members of the committee to give them additional details about our Active Community Care Transition plan," Callahan said.

Quinn has said closing the two facilities will save the state about $19.8 million and allow for the state to begin moving more developmentally disabled residents into community settings.

Key to the savings is that caregivers in private, community-based settings often are paid about one-third less than their state counterparts, even though the administration acknowledges individuals in the state-run facilities tend to be somewhat more complex to serve.

At stake for Jacksonville is the loss of 379 jobs. Tinley Park employs 175 workers.

Schoenberg said he's not sure the latest change warrants a totally new set of meetings, which often can stretch over the course of several weeks.

"We do not need to start the entire process all over. We heard exhaustive testimony just a few months ago," he said. "But, I do want to hear the administration explain its latest plan."

The union representing the more than 550 employees said it would be unfair to move forward without hearing input from those most affected, including individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illness, their families, communities, law enforcement and local leaders.

"We're encouraged that COGFA will carefully examine these proposals as the law requires, and that they will hear the many voices the governor has ignored," said Anders Lindall, spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union.

A group representing families of residents at Jacksonville also said holding a hearing was the right approach.

"We're encouraged legislators are willing to hear us out and look forward to making the case to them why Jacksonville and other developmental centers are lifelines that should stay open," said Rita Burke, president of the Illinois League of Advocates for the Developmentally Disabled.