Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson issued the following statement after Gov. Blagojevich’s office today filed formal notice with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees of the governor’s intent, per the labor contract, to close the Pontiac Correctional Facility.

"I have notified the governor – again – of our extreme objections to this decision. This flies in the face of logic, against the advice of people at all levels of government regardless of party affiliation, and most importantly against the interests of the people of Livingston County and all of Illinois.

"The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has unanimously opposed this decision. Independent analyses show the state needs more than 2,700 new prison beds within the foreseeable future. Close to 600 jobs and the economy of an entire county hang in the balance.

"This is bad government, makes no fiscal sense, is unresponsive to the will of constituents and is plainly irresponsible not only to employees but to inmates and their families who will be forced to travel long distances to see their loved ones.

"This decision by Illinois’ governor may be outside the jurisdiction of Congress, but as the Congressman for the 15th District, I will continue to use whatever resources are at my disposal to turn this decision around."

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