Peoria Standard

State Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-Pontiac) and Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) are working to get information from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's (D-IL) Administration about the potential downsizing of the prison in Pontiac and others across the state.

Bennett shared a letter written by the lawmakers on social media. 

"We will continue to update our constituents on this situation once we are provided with more information," Bennett wrote in a Feb. 18 Facebook post.

In the letter, both Bennett and Barickman noted that there is "rightfully a great deal of concern" about the future of the prison. The lawmakers said they know some prisoners have been transferred out of the Pontiac Correction Center, and some sections of the facility have been closed.

"When we first heard about the potential closures and transfers, we immediately filed a formal request for more information from both the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections and Governor Pritzker," the letter stated. "As of yet, we have not received a response."

In the letter penned by Bennett and Barickman to the General Assembly, the duo noted they're working to get answers from the administration, and want a meeting with the Corrections Director.

"The Pontiac Correctional Center is an important employer and an economic driver for the region. Protecting the facility and the jobs it provides are top priorities. We will continue to advocate on behalf of the men and women who work there, their families, and the surrounding communities," the letter stated. 

Heart of Illinois ABC obtained a copy of the IDOC Bureau of Operations Facility Consolidation/Conversion Overview, which notes that the prison population is down to just over 27,000 inmates, from more than 38,000, and COVID is causing problems with the organization's hiring. The overview noted that there's a plan to close the medium security unit at Pontiac Correction Center and the East/West Cellhouse this year. 

The report revealed an estimated March 16 closing date for the medium security unit which consists of five one story T-House designed buildings that can hold up to 431 people. It also has three towers that could close and would no longer need staff. The report had an anticipated spring/summer closure date for the East/West Cellhouse. 

Pontiac isn't the only prison that would be affected by the downsizing, according to WLDS. IDOC is also aiming to downsize Vandalia Correctional Center, which would see its capacity reduced to 401 from 1001, under the plan. The state estimated it would save more than $15 million in maintenance costs, the station reported.