Dillard-Tracy call for the reopening of Tamms prison

A key safety valve meant to protect the 10,000 men and women who work for the Illinois Department of Corrections was shut down just over one year ago by Gov. Pat Quinn. State representative and lieutenant governor candidate Jil Walker Tracy (R-Quincy) wants to see it reopened.

"Tamms Correctional Center is a tool that protects our frontline correctional officers and staff. It was shuttered by Gov.Pat Quinn and his Department of Corrections Director Salvador Godinez," Tracy said. "State Senator Kirk Dillard and I are calling on the Illinois Department of Corrections to reopen Tamms."

Senator Kirk Dillard and Representative Jil Tracy cite an increased 35 percent in overtime costs by the department during fiscal year 2013 as a primary example of why the shuttering of Tamms was a mistake. Gov. Quinn's plan to shutter two downstate prisons and a host of other state facilities was meant to save money. "Governor Quinn and Director Godinez believe that money was saved. If you look at personnel costs, I think that conclusion is questionable, and it is likely that even more money will be spent during FY 14 on overtime," Tracy said.

"IDOC claims assaults and overtime costs are not up. They also use accounting methods that claims our facilities are designed for 50,000 inmates," Tracy said. "Overtime is up. Staff assaults were up nearly 20 percent. We're spending more, and the people we count on to maintain order are less safe. It makes me question what, if any, positive changes came from closing Tamms, Dwight Correctional Centers, the Carbondale ATC, or the Murphysboro Youth Center?"

Representative Tracy also reiterated Senator Dillard's call for the resignation or termination of IDOC boss Godinez.