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| Thomson Prison Sale Vote Wednesday |
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is expected to vote Wednesday on the fate of Thomson Prison.
Members of the commission will be meeting in Chicago to recommend whether the prison can be closed under the State Property Control Act.
State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), who sits on the commission, believes Thomson should not be sold to the federal government, but be opened and operated by the state to alleviate overcrowding at other state prisons. He says retaining the prison would create more jobs and not attract attention of terrorists.
"The president in his statement said he needs to close Guantanamo Bay because it is the focal point of terrorist recruitment," Brady said. "The director of State Police admitted that making Thomson the focal point of terrorist recruitment creates a risk on the citizens of Illinois -- a risk that can't be fully mitigated with millions of dollars."
According to an opinion written by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, if the Illinois Department of Corrections determines that it has no foreseeable use of the property, the department may declare the property as surplus, leaving it open for sale to the federal government.
Many outsiders see the COGFA vote being split. During the public hearing on the matter, many who sat on the commission expressed concern that there is a need for the state to retain Thomson because of overcrowding.
Decisions made by the commission are advisory only and not binding on the governor, who makes the final decision.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 01 05 10 by Newsroom |
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