Community leaders from southern Illinois plan to rally at the state capitol this week in Springfield.
The Southern Illinois Coalition’s message to the Governor and lawmakers is: “keep our facilities open.” The demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday morning outside of the Governor’s office at the state capitol. The Southern Illinois Mayors’ Association is one of the organizers. It says the continued operation of each of the state facilities Governor Quinn has targeted for closure is essential to the health, safety, and economic viability of the southern Illinois region. Quinn wants to close the Murray Developmental Center in Centralia, Tamms Supermax Prison, Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro, an adult transitional center and the State Police crime lab in Carbondale along with the Animal Disease lab in Centralia.
In addition to the community leaders will be busloads of area workers who have or will soon be hurt by the closings. Organizers say any community member who would like to join the rally is welcome. The bus caravan will leave Centralia Wednesday morning at 8:00 am. For more information, call 618-533-7623.