Hearing held on Quinn’s facilities closures plan

ROCKFORD, — A public hearing on the proposed closing of Singer Mental Health Center prompted participating Illinois legislators to grill state officials about holes in the state budget and whether communities have the resources to deal with closings.

The hearing Wednesday at the University of Illinois of Medicine in Rockford dealt with Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to close seven state facilities in an effort to help close Illinois’ budget deficit.

Rockford Republican Sen. Dave Syverson said closing Singer before its time is going to create significant problems for the community. He says that is why he is urging the governor to look at other areas of the budget to help fund the facility

Department of Human Services Secretary Michelle Saddler reiterated the decision to close seven facilities is budget driven.