SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Continuing his effort to reduce harmful consequences of Illinois' budget stalemate, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted last week to pass legislation reopening the Illinois State Museum after Governor Rauner closed the facility earlier this year.
"Illinois' museums are an essential tool for education we can all be proud of, serving children and adults alike," Smiddy said. "While the state does face difficult financial challenges, abandoning the educational resources we provide the public is shortsighted and irresponsible."
After months of failed budget negotiations between the General Assembly and the governor, Rauner order the Illinois State Museum closed. He estimated that the closure could save Illinois $4.8 million. However, further investigation reveals that closing the facility could result in the loss of federal grant money and open the state up to potential lawsuits resulting from violations to several agreements specifying care and viewing access for Native American remains. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimates that the Illinois State Museum is responsible for $16 million in annual economic activity in Springfield alone. Smiddy is sponsoring Senate Bill 317, which would require five branches of the Illinois State Museum to reopen immediately.
"With the potential of returning federal dollars, possibility for litigation and loss of economic activity that may accompany closing the museum, I really don't understand how the governor can rationalize this as a cost-saving measure," Smiddy said. "This bill to reopen the museum was called for by thousands of Illinois residents and supported by Democrats and Republicans alike in the House, and I urge the governor to promptly sign the bill, reopen the museum and restore this excellent resource for the people of Illinois.
Senate Bill 317 received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, and now awaits action from the governor.
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