SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to enable the entire General Assembly to vote on the proposed closure of Thomson Correctional Center, State Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine) has introduced Senate Joint Resolution 83.

“Public safety should be the number one priority when considering this closure,” Murphy said. “The movement of Guantanamo terrorist detainees into our state is deeply troubling to many of our state’s 12 million residents.”

Senate Joint Resolution 83 calls on the Illinois Senate President and Speaker of the House to convene each chamber of the General Assembly to vote on the Thomson Correctional Center closure.

“Our citizens demand and deserve an opportunity for their duly elected representatives and senators to act on this proposal. I acknowledge the fact that the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has issued a non-binding opinion to the Governor; however the extreme circumstances surrounding this closure should receive the full attention of the General Assembly. Our public safety should not be compromised because lawmakers are rushing this sale along,” Murphy concluded.

The Obama administration announced its intention to acquire Thomson, last November. A state panel acted on Jan. 7, in accordance with the State Facilities Closure Act to issue their advisory opinion in support of the closure.

Senator Murphy has advocated for the sale process to be slowed down to allow sufficient public input.

Senate Joint Resolution 83 was introduced on Jan. 12 and is currently assigned to the Committee on Assignments.