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Last month, the Illinois Department of Human Services revealed
plans to cut about 250 jobs at Choate and shift mental health
beds to the northern part of the state.
The governor discussed the move when he spoke at an event in
Elgin last week.
“The reason there are staff reductions is because we literally
have moved the developmentally disabled patients, residents
there, to better facilities, other facilities,” Pritzker said.
The U.S. Department of Justice began investigating the state’s
treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities last
year.
Republican state Rep. Brad Fritts’ office told The Center Square
the probe was focused on Choate, Jack Mabley and Samuel Shapiro
developmental centers.
“I said from the beginning when we heard about the troubles
there, that if the staff there, if the agency couldn’t get it
right, that the right thing to do was to close the facility. And
that's precisely what I have pledged to do and then done,”
Pritzker said.
The governor said most states have had success after getting rid
of mass congregate facilities.
“It saves money, but it's also a better situation for those
residents,” Pritzker said.
State Rep. Scott Doody, R-Anna, started a petition drive urging
the governor to reverse the DHS decision.
“I don’t believe the governor understands the gravity of the
situation and what’s going on in terms of forensics, so we’re
working hard to make sure he’s brought up to speed on what’s
going on with that,” Doody said in a video posted on social
media.
Doody said a state-commissioned study from Southern Illinois
University recommended that jobs should be expanded and not
eliminated.
The recently-appointed state representative said Choate is in
the state budget for $50 million through July 1, 2027.
Greg Bishop contributed to this story.
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