House passes bill to put brakes on Thomson sale

On Feb. 17 the Illinois House of Representatives voted by an overwhelming majority to pass AFSCME-backed legislation that could help to slow—or even prevent—the sale of Thomson Correctional Center.

The measure, HB 4744, would require legislative approval for any sale of state property over $1 million. It passed by a vote of 81-31.  The legislation now goes to the Senate.

The state had recently notified the union of its intent to close Thomson CC effective April 30, on the assumption that the planned sale to the federal government would proceed.