Tagged: Tamms Correctional Center

The union representing Illinois correctional workers is demanding a stop to what it says is the transfer of violent maximum-security prison inmates to less-secure lockups.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says in one instance up to 15 inmates were being moved to medium-security prisons. The inmates allegedly beat two guards and a chaplain at Menard prison last week. The union is worried increased violence has ushered a return of "circuit riders," or keeping troublemakers isolated by moving them from prison to prison.

The Illinois House has not overridden Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget cuts that are forcing some prisons and other state facilities to close. The House did not consider an override vote Wednesday before adjourning the last day of veto session. House Speaker Michael Madigan did not think it was necessary to take action against the measure.

Today on NPR:

• Fact checkers dubious on some claims made at the DNC.

In Kentucky:

• Commonwealth Education Commissioner Terry Holliday braces teachers for lower-than-expected test scores.

In Illinois:

A southern Illinois judge upheld an arbitrator’s decision on Tuesday to continue a freeze on inmate transfers out of the Tamms Supermax prison and other facilities slated for closure.  Judge Charles Cavaness ruled in Alexander County Court that the temporary restraining order can stay in place for 30 days while the state and the workers’ union return to impact bargaining.  Last week, arbitrator Steven Bierig  ruled the state violated the collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME, did not rule on the union’s grievance tha

A southern Illinois judge is temporarily prohibiting Gov. Pat Quinn from closing state correctional facilities. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says Circuit Judge Charles Cavaness in Alexander County granted the union's request for a temporary restraining order. The order keeps Quinn from closing prisons in Tamms and Dwight, and three halfway houses and youth detention centers in Joliet and Murphysboro.