Lawmakers Want Hearing on Plans for Vandalia, Pontiac Prisons

A group of lawmakers have called for a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and House Appropriations and Public Safety Committees to find out exactly what is happening with the Vandalia and Pontiac state prisons.

Serious concerns about the futures of the two facilities came about due to significant numbers of recent unannounced transfers of inmates out of the prisons. A leaked document soon began circulating that listed plans for partial closures at both facilities.

“The Vandalia Correctional Center is one of the largest employers in the area, serving as an economic anchor for the surrounding communities, just as most prisons are for the areas where they are located. Any changes to these facilities could have absolutely devastating effects to the local economies,” said State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Vandalia). “We need to know what the administration’s vision is for the correctional system and we need to make sure that all the stakeholders are at the table when that vision becomes a concrete plan.”

“For weeks, I have said that Director Jeffreys needs to visit the Vandalia Correctional Center to see the operation, to answer questions, and be accountable to the correctional officers and staff serving at Vandalia,” said Representative Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City). “The hard working people at DOC and the community at large deserve better than to be left to wonder what the future holds. Governor Pritzker and Director Jeffreys owe us answers.”

During a recent web call with lawmakers, Jeffreys agreed to take part in town halls in both communities to update the public on plans for the facilities. Jeffreys later said he would be unable to take part.

A Town Hall meeting is scheduled for May 10 in Pontiac, where legislators plan to provide updates to members of the community. A similar event is being planned for Vandalia.