Quinn plan to close facilities meets cool reception

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn’s push to overhaul care for people with mental illnesses and disabilities collided Tuesday with safety concerns, money worries and maybe a bit of wounded pride as lawmakers reviewed plans to close two state institutions.

Lawmakers peppered Quinn aides with questions about whether people can safely be moved to community care, such as group homes. They repeatedly pushed for details on what the switch would cost, now and over the long term.

“It seems like we’re back shooting from the hip again,” said Rep. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield.

Quinn’s aides promised more detail after the governor presents his state budget proposal Feb. 22.

For now, they reassured lawmakers that it costs much less to care for mentally ill and disabled people in the community than in big institutions. They said it can be done safely no matter how much specialized care a person needs.