In an area of Southern Illinois near St. Louis, the biggest issue in this year’s governor’s race was the fate of a state-run facility for people with developmental disabilities.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn wanted to close the place—called the Murray Developmental Center. Republican challenger Bruce Rauner vowed to keep it open.
A Rauner spokesman says the governor-elect will keep that promise. But advocates for closing Murray say they aren’t concerned.
"Well you know, there are other institutions."
Tony Paulauski heads the ARC of Illinois, a group that believes state-run institutions are bad for residents.
"The quality of life is most important for us."
And he says if the new governor wants to cut waste and cut the budget - he’ll realize institutional care is the most expensive way to deliver service.
