By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – How long can Illinois’ aging prisons last? State corrections officials don’t want to find out, while the union and Downstate lawmakers don’t want the prisons closed for even one day.

“We have a real opportunity to make a profound shift in our approach to justice in Illinois and create an environment that facilitates it,” said Latoya Hughes, acting director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. “Our plan demonstrates Illinois’ commitment to implement and modernize correctional environments while taking a fiscally responsible approach to address aging infrastructure.”

Stateville Correctional Center near Joliet is 99 years old. And Logan Correctional Center near Lincoln – targeted for closure – is 46.

Downstate lawmakers in prison towns dislike the plans, as does the union representing most prison workers.

“DOC’s proposed path would needlessly and drastically disrupt the lives of the department’s employees, the lives of the individuals who are currently incarcerated, their families, and the economic well-being of several communities,” said AFSCME Council 31 deputy director Mike Newman.

Both spoke to the legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]