Rauner opposes reopening southern Illinois prison camp

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration is giving thumbs down to reopening a southern Illinois prison.

The Senate voted 36-14 Tuesday to reopen the low-security Hardin County Work Camp in Cave-in-Rock. The proposal goes to Rauner, who closed the camp last winter.

Democratic Sen. Gary Forby of Benton says the camp provides jobs and critical work-skills programs for inmates.

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Nicole Wilson says the agency opposes the plan because closure will save the state $1 million annually in operating costs. And it spares taxpayers nearly $10 million in required renovation.

Sen. Dale Righter, a Mattoon (meh-TOON') Republican, says Democrats need to find the money for the projects they want to fund.

The House voted 69-34 in March to reopen the facility.

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The bill is HB4326.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov