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May 12, 2008

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Lawmakers Push To Save Pontiac Prison

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By Mike Dimmick

Story Published: May 8, 2008 at 5:12 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 8, 2008 at 7:31 PM CDT

The push to save Pontiac Prison is on in Springfield.

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Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation calling for a study of the state prison system. It would prevent the closing of a prison until the study is complete in September of next year.

Earlier this week, Governor Blagojevich slated Pontiac Prison for closure early in 2009.

He had first pegged Stateville in Joliet, but then targeted Pontiac.

Republican Senator Dan Rutherford of Chenoa calls it unnecessary and political.

"This is at a time when Illinois prisoners have about 35 percent more inmates than they were designed to hold...and that number is not decreasing."

Rutherford says the move for a moratorium and long term study of Illinois Corrections will be bi-partisan...and urged the Governor's office to be part of the process.

The new prison legislation would have to pass the House and Senate and the governor would have to sign it.

View Oldest Comments First

Friday, May 9 at 9:47 PM sarah wrote ...

Why is he still in offiice? Rod does not care about ppl in illinois, south of Chicago that is.

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