A proposal to permanently close four downstate Illinois correctional facilities, including two in Southern Illinois, faced strong opposition during a public hearing Wednesday at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.
Approximately 40 people attended the hearing conducted by the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.
The Illinois Department of Corrections announced plans in August to close the Du Quoin and Dixon Springs Impact Incarceration facilities, along with work camps in Clayton and Greene County.
State corrections officials say the closures would save approximately $35.9 million in capital costs and $6.5 million annually in operating expenses.
IDOC Director Latoya Hughes told the commission the closures are intended to address aging infrastructure, operational needs and financial efficiency.
Hughes said employees would be reassigned rather than laid off, and existing collective bargaining agreements would be honored.
The Du Quoin facility has not housed offenders since 2024, when participants were transferred to the Murphysboro Life Skills Re-Entry Center.
However, representatives of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees questioned the decision, arguing the state is moving away from programs designed to rehabilitate younger and lower-level offenders.
The Impact Incarceration Program offers eligible offenders opportunities for education, job training and rehabilitation in exchange for shorter periods of incarceration.
State Senator Terri Bryant of Murphysboro questioned whether the department had adequately promoted the program to judges who determine sentencing options.
Du Quoin Mayor Josh Downs also expressed concern about the future of the correctional facility, warning against allowing the property to deteriorate after its closure.
IDOC officials said they would work with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services to oversee the property.
The commission is holding additional hearings concerning the proposed closures before making a non-binding recommendation during next month’s legislative veto session.
The final decision on the facilities will not be determined by the commission’s recommendation alone.