SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois State Museum is in danger of losing its accreditation after Gov. Bruce Rauner closed the museums due to the state budget impasse. The Accreditation Commission voted 7-0 on Tuesday to put the museum system on probation. The commission says the accreditation is a "mark of distinction" given 1,043 museums nationwide. It recognizes museums that meet certain criteria for collections, staff, financial stability and other areas. The Republican governor said he closed the Springfield museum and four satellite sites as part of his efforts to manage state finances while he and the Democrat-led Legislature are deadlocked over a state budget. Accreditation Commission Chairman Burt Logan says the commission has "grave concerns" about the impact of the closure on the museum's long-term viability.
Illinois State Museum may lose accreditation
