State Senator Gary Forby says he's been denied access at a prison in his southern Illinois district.
The Hardin County Work Camp is among the facilities Governor Bruce Rauner has slated for closure, citing budget constraints.
Inmates at the facility build houses for the poor and engage in other community work assignments.
Forby says he was turned back at the door - and blames on the Rauner administration.
"I think it's party lines. I think it's all political. It's his way or the highway - nobody else."
The Illinois Department of Corrections says Forby was denied access because he did not follow proper procedures.
Forby says he's visited the complex for 15 years, and this was the first time he was denied entry. He says he will comply with IDOC rules to visit the work camp.
