Illinois Sen. McGuire speaks against closure of Lockport Gallery.
Illinois Sen. McGuire speaks against closure of Lockport Gallery.
State Sen. Pat McGuire (D-IL) on Aug. 13 spoke out against the closing of the Illinois State Museum and its Lockport Gallery.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has ordered the state museum system to be permanently shut down, citing Illinois' budget impasse as the cause.
McGuire, State Rep. Emily McAsey (D-IL) and Lockport Mayor Steve Streit jointly gave testimony to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.
"Rarely is something essential a bargain, but the Illinois State Museum truly is," McGuire said.
McGuire noted the state museum's Lockport branch in the historic Norton Building has become the hub for an emerging arts and museum district in Lockport.
"The Lockport Gallery is a genuine partnership between government, donors and the private sector," McGuire said. "It is garnering tangible benefits for the city of Lockport and the state of Illinois."
The public may submit comments on the threatened closing through July 22.
Comments may be emailed to facilityclosure@ilga.gov or mailed to Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, Attn: Facility Closure, 703 Stratton Building, Springfield, Ill. 62706.
The commission then will make a recommendation to close the state museum system or keep it open. The final decision rests with the governor.
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