A preservation group is weighing in on a battle over a state agency's future. Landmarks Illinois says it’s concerned about Governor Bruce Rauner's plan to get rid of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Rauner wants to merge the agency with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. A spokesperson says the work will get done and the state will save money.
But the President of Landmarks Illinois, Bonnie McDonald, is against the change. She says speaking with lawmakers is one of the ways the office is trying to restore funding.
"We ask everyone in this room to visit your state legislators today and urge them to find a way retain the State Historic Preservation Office staff and budget in order to retain their necessary role as the work of this office does the vital work of growing the state economy."
Landmarks Illinois included the state agency in it's annual list of the Most Endangered Historic Places. Ironically, Governor Rauner and the First Lady reside in an historic home in Springfield, the Executive Mansion. The Rauner's say they are privately fundraising to pay for costly repairs to the home.
