Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is set to close state museums and a sport-shooting complex to the public because of the budget crisis. But most staff will still report to work.
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield and four satellite locations including Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown will close today. Rauner's office initially sent layoff notices to more than 100 workers at those sites in an effort to save about $5 million. But unions sued, saying the layoffs violated their contract.
Rauner's office agreed to postpone the layoffs pending a court decision. A Rauner spokeswoman says some museum workers will continue regular duties. Others will be given “temporary roles.”
Museum board Chairman Guerry Suggs says the situation “doesn't make any sense.”
