Illinois Historic Sites and Parks Closures Pushed Back Two Weeks

The Peoria Journal-Star reports that Illinois will delay closures of historic sites to October 15 and state parks to November 30. This move partly is due to impact bargaining by the state employees union, but also may be due to to poor planning by the governor's office. The Illinois House of Representatives met last week and approved a budget that restored most cuts; the Senate does not reconvene until November, after the historic sites will close.

Meanwhile, there have been protests against the cuts in Springfield and at least one lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order against the park closures.