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Lawmakers Blast Plans to Close Macomb, Other State Police Offices
"Frustrated." "Taken aback." "Alarmed." Those are some of the words that state lawmakers are using in response to the announcement that the Illinois State Police will be closing five district headquarters.

Those offices are Des Plaines, Pecatonica, Macomb, Litchfield and Carmi. ISP acting director Jonathon Monken says given the budget crisis, and the resulting $32 million cut to the ISP budget, the closures are necessary. He's also planning to layoff 464 troopers next fiscal year.

Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) comes from the district that includes the Macomb district office. He thinks this proposal is irresponsible, given how much mileage the remaining offices will have to cover. He also worries about Monken's proposed elimination of the Meth Response Team, which he says would be devastating to his area.

State Representative Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica) is frustrated after hearing that the Pecatonica state police district headquarters is slated to close. Sacia says ISP is crucial to his area, and having no troopers patrolling the highways could lead to increased drug traffic in his area. Most of the lawmakers say they'll fight this plan.

(Illinois Radio Network)
03 25 10 by Newsroom
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