Quinn Works On Keeping Facilities Open

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Gov. Pat Quinn said Wednesday that he's close to a deal with lawmakers that would keep seven state facilities open through June 30 and prevent 1,900 layoffs.
Quinn said his office has been working with legislative budget leaders on a plan that would stop the closings if lawmakers agree to uphold roughly $225 million in vetoes he made this summer. That money was set aside for things like school transportation and hospital bills, but would instead be shifted around to keep the facilities open through the end of the budget year.
"I am very optimistic," Quinn said. "I think we're very, very close and we've got to get this done right."