West Central Reporter

On the “Have All Voted Who Wish” podcast, State Representative CD Davidsmeyer of Murrayville, co-chair of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, and State Representative Bill Hauter of Morton, who represents the Lincoln area, discussed the potential impacts on the community following a significant state decision. Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) announced in March their intention to tear down and rebuild two prisons in poor condition: Stateville Correctional Center for men in Crest Hill outside of Joliet, and Logan Correctional Center (LCC) for women outside of Lincoln.

The initial announcement did not specify immediate plans for LCC, stating only that Stateville would be rebuilt at its current location while plans for LCC were still under consideration.

In April, a new IDOC report indicated that the state's preference is to move the women's prison from outside Lincoln to Crest Hill, effectively transforming the Stateville prison into a multifunctional campus.

This development has caused concern among nearly 500 workers at Logan Correctional Center who fear losing their jobs. The city of Lincoln, with a population of 13,000 already facing economic challenges due to recent closures of Lincoln Christian University and Lincoln College, is now confronted with the potential loss of another major employer which could further impact the community.

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