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Last updated 10:37 pm CT February 08, 2010.
Petition Effort Aims to Save Prison Jobs
Governor Pat Quinn, (D)-Illinois, announced last week that 1,000 cuts will be made a Department of Corrections. A spokeswoman for the department says fifty of those will be in Vienna.
One woman has started a petition to save those jobs. Her husband is being laid off. She asked not to be identified because she's afraid her involvement could affect the rest of her husband's employment.
"It's not just because my husband is potentially going to lose his job or because we're going to have to potentially leave our home, but what about the other families that may be in a worse position that are going to have to go through that as well," she said.
She agreed to meet us at the park in Vienna. Her friend, Hope Altenberger, explains she's not just concerned about the family's well-being, she's worried about public safety. Fewer prison staffers, will likely mean releasing inmates early.
"They didn't really do all their time for the crime that they did and who's to say that they might not do it again and end up back in the same situation," Altenberger said.
The women have placed the petitions in businesses in several counties and started one online. So far they've gathered about 1,300 signatures.
Sue Cagle owns the BP on Highway 146. She's watched her customers fill out about 30 pages. She's not surprised by the response.
"They don't want anyone to lose their jobs. They want everyone to keep their jobs because they need them," Cagle said.
The women hope others add their names to the list.
"I hope it keeps going and I hope everybody in the state of Illinois is made aware of this and they'll support us and keep the jobs for everybody," said Alice Lewis who is also helping with the petition effort.
By Dana Jay
djay@wsiltv.com
Additional Links:
Click here to sign the petition
Now: 1265690447
