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Veto override fails, museums still free 52 days

SPRINGFIELD — Museums and aquariums in Illinois will have to continue offering free admission 52 days a year.

The Illinois House failed Tuesday to override Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of a bill that would have cut that number in half.

The vote was 49-67, far short of the 71 “yes” votes needed.

The Democratic governor praised the vote. He says it’s important for those of modest means to have access to the state’s “world-class museums.” Lawmakers agreed children get more from exhibits than books.

Republican Rep. Joe Sosnowski of Rockford says cutting mandatory free days to 26 a year would free up money for museums to do more programs and reach children through schools. School groups would still be able to attend for free.

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