The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has voted to reject Governor Pat Quinn's proposed closure of the Murray Developmental Center in Centralia.
Seven of the ten members of the bi-partisan legislative commission said no to the proposal. Murray Parents Association president Rita Winkler says she's pleased and believes the commission used common sense in making its recommendation. The commission's recommendation is not binding, so Winkler says her group realizes this does not guarantee the facility will remain open and they must continue to work on changing the governor's mind.
She says the Murray Parents Association is trying to set up a face-to-face meeting with Governor Quinn and has also invited him to tour the facility. Winkler says the governor's office has not responded to either request.
More than 500 people could lose their job if Murray is closed.
A financial impact study indicates closing Murray Developmental Center would mean the direct and indirect loss of more than 800-jobs and income loss of nearly 63-million dollars in wages.
