Commission to Give Opinion on Illinois Facility Closure Plan

A legislative commission is scheduled to give its opinion on Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's plans to close several state facilities, including the Tamms maximum security prison in southern Illinois. But the commission's vote is advisory only and the governor can close the prisons, mental institutions and offices no matter the findings. Quinn says closing the prisons would save money, while closing other facilities would lead to improved care for people with developmental disabilities. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is scheduled to convene this morning.