The Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the lifting of an injunction that has been blocking Gov. Pat Quinn from closing state prisons.
In a split decision, the high court gave explicit instructions to a court in the far southern Illinois community of Tamms, where one of the prisons is located, to lift a preliminary injunction that was granted to a state workers' union trying to keep the prisons open.
Three of the seven justices dissented, saying they believe the court was overstepping its bounds with the ruling, which recognizes an independent arbitrator's decision that Quinn had followed the rules in his facility-closure plans. Justice Mary Jane Theis said the court should have sent the matter back to the court in Alexander County for further arguments.
"Clearly, this case is far from over," wrote Theis, noting that the legal tussle between Quinn and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees continues with legal action in other courts.
Neither spokesmen for Quinn and AFSCME were immediately aware of the ruling or had a comment.
Quinn had planned to close prisons in Tamms, Dwight and elsewhere in August in an effort to save money. AFSCME sued in Alexander County. A judge there halted the closure plan until an arbitrator decided if Quinn had followed proper procedures with the labor union in shuttering state facilities.
The arbitrator found that Quinn had negotiated with the union in good faith.
AFSCME argues that the state's prison system is too crowded to allow for closing facilities and that moving dangerous inmates from the high-security Tamms prison puts public safety at risk.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:44:07 GMT
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Anthony Weiner's run for a renaissance is officially on.
Anthony Weiner knows there may be a lot of New Yorkers who would never consider voting for him again, but he says he's running for mayor because he wants to bring his ideas to the fore - and win.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:45:07 GMT
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:53:15 GMT
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:52 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:52:14 GMT
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:05:27 GMT
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:58:01 GMT
The new normal begins Thursday for Chicago Public Schools following a fiery and painful public debate over school closings. The school board voted to close 49 CPS schools in June, and one next year.
The new normal begins Thursday for Chicago Public Schools following a fiery and painful public debate over school closings. The school board voted to close 49 CPS schools in June, and one next year.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:44:07 GMT
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:16 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:16:31 GMT
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:00:07 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:03:10 GMT
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
