Quinn 'optimistic' on budget deal to keep facilities including Logan open

[November 17, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn says he's "very optimistic" a budget deal can be worked out to keep open through the fiscal year seven state facilities he'd planned to close.

Quinn told reporters in Chicago on Wednesday that he hopes lawmakers can get it passed when they return to Springfield on Nov. 29.

He says there have been good budget negotiations with Democratic and Republican legislative leaders.

Earlier this year, Quinn said nearly 2,000 workers had to be laid off and seven state-run centers closed because the state didn't have the money to operate them. A bipartisan commission of lawmakers rejected closing the facilities, which include a prison and centers for the developmentally disabled and mentally ill.

Quinn says changes need to be made in how the developmentally disabled are cared for.

[Associated Press]

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