Legislative commission rules in favor of 4 state facilities, but Quinn still has say in closings

[October 28, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- A legislative commission's vote against closing four state facilities that treat people who are mentally and developmentally disabled isn't enough to prevent Gov. Pat Quinn from shuttering the facilities.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, or COGFA, voted to keep the following facilities open: Singer Mental Health Center in Rockford, Chester Mental Health Center in Chester, Mabley Developmental Center in Dixon and Illinois Youth Center in Murphysboro.

Quinn announced he was targeting seven downstate facilities for closure because the General Assembly's $33.2 billion budget didn't give him enough money to keep the doors open and their 1,938 employees working. Quinn introduced a proposed budget of about $36 billion.

"Their recommendation, unfortunately, doesn't change the reality of the budget we're tasked with managing," said Brooke Anderson, a spokeswoman for Quinn.

Quinn's office estimated the closures would save the state $313 million.

COGFA's vote is only advisory, meaning that Quinn still can close the centers.

"However, no administration has ever moved contrary to how the commission has recommended," said state Sen. Jeffery Schoenberg, D-Evanston, and co-chairman of COGFA. "He could if he wanted to, but it would set a precedent."

Many state lawmakers opposed closing the seven facilities, which also include the Tinley Park Mental Health Center, the Jacksonville Developmental Center and the Logan Correctional Center.

"It's not in the best interest of the taxpayers to close Chester or to close Logan. It may be in the best interest of the taxpayers to consolidate some of these facilities that are underutilized, but let's have that discussion. Let's talk about the best way to do it," said state Rep. Mike Tryon, R-Crystal Lake, who serves on COGFA.

Quinn struck $376 million from the budget with his line-item veto, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said they are open to using some of that to keep the facilities open.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, said that during a meeting with legislative leaders and Quinn on Thursday morning, the governor didn't immediately shoot down the idea.

"Reallocation was always discussed; it was always on the table," Anderson said.

Another plan lawmakers floated is to take money from other programs, like violence prevention funds, but Quinn has been quick to reject that idea.

"These (facilities) are much more important than some of the programs he needs to cut," said state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.

The Chester Mental Health Center and Illinois Youth Center are in Luechtefeld's legislative district.

Six of the seven facilities are in Republican districts, but Anderson denied that politics played any role in Quinn's picks.

Thursday's vote came after public hearings about the four facilities. If negotiations fall apart and Quinn decides to close the facilities, COGFA's vote could play a factor in a legal case.

"These hearings are so exhaustive, not just in testimony but in data that's required, especially the economic impact, ... that that frequently becomes some of the homework for an anticipated court challenge," said Schoenberg, COGFA co-chairman.

There will be similar votes on the three remaining facilities during the next week of three-day veto session, which starts Nov. 8.

[Illinois Statehouse News; By ANDREW THOMASON]