Bill seeks reprieve for Tinley Park center
May 25, 2012 7:28AM
Updated: June 28, 2012 12:38PM
A bill that would provide funding to keep the Tinley Park Mental Health Center operating beyond its planned July 1 closing has passed the Illinois Senate and is under consideration in the House, where Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) is the chief sponsor.
Among other funding measures, Senate Bill 2404 would provide the Illinois Department of Human Services with nearly $9 million from the state’s general revenue fund for operational and other expenses at the mental health center, 7400 W. 183rd St.
The Senate on Wednesday passed the bill by a 34 to 24 vote.
The bill did not specify how long the center would remain open as a result of the funding, but state officials have said it costs about $20.6 million each year to operate.
Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan calls for the center to close July 1. State officials said this week that the center would not accept new patients as of June 15.
Staff reports
