Illinois Gov. Pritzker's mental health changes spark controversy

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois is getting away from mass mental health facilities and moving developmentally disabled people into smaller group housing.

Union members and local officials in Union County rallied this week against the planned downsizing of operations at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna.

Last month, the Illinois Department of Human Services revealed plans to cut about 250 jobs at Choate and shift mental health beds to the northern part of the state.

The governor discussed the move when he spoke at an event in Elgin last week.

“The reason there are staff reductions is because we literally have moved the developmentally disabled patients, residents there, to better facilities, other facilities,” Pritzker said.

The U.S. Department of Justice began investigating the state’s treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities last year.

Republican state Rep. Brad Fritts’ office told The Center Square the probe was focused on Choate, Jack Mabley and Samuel Shapiro developmental centers.

“I said from the beginning when we heard about the troubles there, that if the staff there, if the agency couldn’t get it right, that the right thing to do was to close the facility. And that's precisely what I have pledged to do and then done,” Pritzker said.

The governor said most states have had success after getting rid of mass congregate facilities.

“It saves money, but it's also a better situation for those residents,” Pritzker said.

State Rep. Scott Doody, R-Anna, started a petition drive urging the governor to reverse the DHS decision.

“I don’t believe the governor understands the gravity of the situation and what’s going on in terms of forensics, so we’re working hard to make sure he’s brought up to speed on what’s going on with that,” Doody said in a video posted on social media.

Doody said a state-commissioned study from Southern Illinois University recommended that jobs should be expanded and not eliminated.

The recently-appointed state representative said Choate is in the state budget for $50 million through July 1, 2027.

Greg Bishop contributed to this story.