Tagged: jacksonville developmental center

A lawmaker from the tri states is stepping down -- just days after he won re-election.  

State Representative Jim Watson (R-Jacksonville) said he will leave the seat to take over as executive director of the Illinois Petroleum Council.  The group represents oil refineries, marketers and others in the industry.

Watson's final day in the General Assembly will be December 3.  He's been a lawmaker for more than a decade, so he said the decision to leave was a tough one to make.

A look back at the top stories and features from the Tri States Public Radio news department from October 2012. 

Monmouth was the only municipality to receive a grant from the inaugural Illinois Broadband Innovation Fund, the public raised more questions about Iowa Fertilizer Company’s proposed plant in Lee County, and a state panel voted to proceed with the closure of the Jacksonville Developmental Center.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is free to shut down the Jacksonville Developmental Center. A state board gave its approval on Tuesday, October 30.

Quinn's Department of Human Services issued a statement saying it's pleased  because the decision "…will help to improve the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities."

The governor wants to move JDC residents into smaller, group homes.  Some advocates agree that's best.