SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) on Wednesday passed House Bill 1341 unanimously out of the State Government Administration Committee to create a task force to study the practical, efficient, and beneficial repurposing of the Tamms Minimum Security Unit and its property for the benefit of the public.
“When we don’t utilize the assets and resources we have right under our feet, the cost to the community and taxpayers, and the lost opportunities are great,” declared Rep. Jacobs. “Some of the possibilities include providing mental health services, health services, public safety, law enforcement training purposes, fire services, medical training and any other options for repurposing. I can’t wait to see all of the options that the Task Force recommends.”
Jacobs’ proposal is clear that each member of the task force serves without compensation and will meet two times per year minimum or at the call of the chairperson with administrative support from the Department of Corrections. The task force shall submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before December 31st of this year with its recommendations.
Tamms Correctional Center was a prison facility located in Alexander County.
Additionally, Jacobs points out that the State of Illinois bought the land for the prison from soybean farmers. Much of the money used to fund the purchase of the prison land, reportedly over $225,000, came from donations made by area residents hoping to have a prison built, so the area’s economic fortunes could improve.
House Bill 1341 now goes to the full House for consideration.
