Illinois governor's plan to shift mental health patients sparks local backlash

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker outlined a strategy to replace massive mental health institutions with smaller group housing, noting that staff reductions stem from relocating residents to what he described as better facilities. The Illinois Department of Human Services disclosed plans to cut roughly 250 jobs at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna and to move beds to the northern region of the state.

Local union members and officials in Union County rallied against the proposal, arguing it threatens jobs and patient care. Republican Rep. Brad Fritts said the Justice Department investigation focuses on Choate and other developmental centers, and he supports closing facilities that cannot meet standards. Rep. Scott Doody launched a petition urging the governor to reverse the decision, referencing a Southern Illinois University study that advises job expansion. The center remains funded at $50 million through July 1 2027.