Union Workers Protest State Prison Shutdowns at Railway Event
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: October 19, 2012
NORMAL--Friday's high speed rail test run gave momentum to union workers fighting to keep Dwight prison open.
Dozens arrived at Uptown Station to protest Governor Pat Quinn's plan to close state transition centers and correctional facilities.
While a judge granted the union a temporary restraining order to stop the state from moving forward with the shut downs, one prison worker says he's not dropping his sign, until the governor drops his plan.
"We're taking baby steps as we go," said Corrections Officer Shane Long. "Little by little by little. Each day is just another step closer to the same common goal that we're looking for and that's keeping the facilities open and keeping people safe, and keeping the community safe."
The governor proposed shutting down the prisons earlier this year to help close the state's nine billion dollar deficit.
Dozens arrived at Uptown Station to protest Governor Pat Quinn's plan to close state transition centers and correctional facilities.
While a judge granted the union a temporary restraining order to stop the state from moving forward with the shut downs, one prison worker says he's not dropping his sign, until the governor drops his plan.
"We're taking baby steps as we go," said Corrections Officer Shane Long. "Little by little by little. Each day is just another step closer to the same common goal that we're looking for and that's keeping the facilities open and keeping people safe, and keeping the community safe."
The governor proposed shutting down the prisons earlier this year to help close the state's nine billion dollar deficit.
