Pritzker Doubles Down on Logan Closure Despite Economic Concerns

Governor JB Pritzker is doubling down on his Administration’s decision to close Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln and relocate the state’s primary women’s prison approximately 140 miles north to Crest Hill. The move is expected to displace more than 400 jobs from a community of roughly 13,000 residents.

While defending the decision, Pritzker pointed to his Administration’s plans to pursue new economic development in Lincoln and touted his broader economic record. However, several key economic indicators show Illinois continuing to trail the nation and neighboring states.

Illinois’ unemployment rate stood at 4.9 percent in July, above the national rate of 4.1 percent and higher than several neighboring states. Between 2019 and 2024, Illinois added jobs at a rate of 4.5 percent, nearly half the national growth rate of 8.2 percent. Illinois also saw real personal income grow at 6.2 percent compared to the nation’s 13.6 percent over the five-year period, while the state’s real GDP severely lagged behind the rest of the nation.

Illinois has also seen several prominent employers move their headquarters or operations elsewhere in recent years. Boeing moved its headquarters from Chicago to Virginia, Caterpillar relocated its headquarters from Deerfield to Texas, and Citadel moved its headquarters from Chicago to Florida. More recently, True Value’s headquarters is being moved from Chicago to Fort Wayne, Indiana, following its acquisition by Do it Best. Tyson Foods has also announced the closure of its Joslin facility, affecting more than 2,000 workers.

The concerns are particularly significant for Downstate communities facing the loss of major state employers. In addition to the planned relocation of Logan Correctional Center, the Pritzker Administration has announced major downsizing and layoffs at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center and plans to close four additional Downstate correctional facilities.

Senate Republicans have also introduced a series of proposals addressing Illinois’ economic climate and the costs facing employers, workers and families.

The proposals include Senate Bill 3786, which would create tax credits for qualifying Illinois-headquartered businesses and their employees; Senate Bill 3792, creating a state income tax deduction for qualifying gratuities; Senate Bill 137, increasing the vendor’s discount for qualifying smaller retailers and service providers; and Senate Bill 3873, making Illinois’ Research and Development Tax Credit permanent. Other proposals address health insurance costs and the state’s estate tax.

The Governor’s economic claims do not match the reality many Illinois communities are experiencing. Illinois needs policies that protect existing jobs, encourage new investment and create lasting economic opportunities across the entire state.

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