Springfield…. State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) reports that his bill, House Bill 97, which is designed analyze how developmental center closures are impacting patients will be called before the Human Services Committee on Wednesday, February 6.
For residents of Centralia and the 108th District, the bill, if passed, would slow the closure of Murray Center while the study is conducted and the results are analyzed.
“We want the state to do what’s right and make sure these facility closures aren’t causing the patients any harm that we haven’t heard about. These are peoples’ lives and we need to make sure we’re taking this process very slowly and carefully,” Rep. Meier said.
The bill calls for a thorough six-month study of the transition for patients of the Jacksonville Development Center before any other developmental centers in Illinois can be closed. The bill is designed to see how well the state handles the transition of the patients at Jacksonville before Murray Center can begin any of its own transitions.
“At this point, I need help from the residents of Centralia and Southern Illinois that are impacted by Murray Center’s closure. I need them to contact a few of the members of the Human Services Committee and let them know how important Murray Center is to our area. Tell them to support my bill on Wednesday so that we can make sure this isn’t a hurried and potentially dangerous process,” Rep. Meier said.
Rep. Meier requests people contact the following legislators at their District Offices:
Rep. Robyn Gabel (847) 424-9898
Rep. Derrick Smith (312) 243-7129
Rep. Kelly Cassidy (773) 784-2002
Rep. Laura Fine (847) 998-1717
Rep. Mary Flowers (773) 471-5200
Rep. Naomi Jakobsson (217) 373-5000
Rep. Deborah Mell (773) 267-2880
Rep. Michelle Mussman (847) 923-9104
Rep. Cynthia Soto (773) 252-0402
