State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) today called Gov. Rauner’s closing of state museums to the public foolish and mean-spirited.
Rauner has announced the museum doors will be locked starting Thursday as the impasse between the governor and the legislature over a new state budget continues.
“Let’s be clear: The museums aren’t really closing,”Biss said in a statement. “Rather, Governor Rauner is locking out the public. The employees will still show up for work. The exhibits will remain in their places. The buildings will be heated and air conditioned. But, the governor is locking the doors and denying the public access to a tremendous asset and public resource.”
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“It’s a foolish, mean-spirited move. Locking the doors and shooing away school groups from a fully staffed museum complex doesn’t save any money,” Biss added. “Governor Rauner’s short-sighted, uncaring decision won’t help the state economically, but will impede our cultural and educational growth.”
Biss, who’s seeking the Democratic party nomination to run for state comptroller next year, called on the governor to leave the museum doors open and fight budget battles at the negotiating table.