Illinois is currently planning to spend $900 Million-$2.2 Billion on the construction of two new prisons. The money is part of the state's capital infrastructure budget, which is funded by bonds. These bonds are essentially loans that future taxpayers will have to pay back, with interest. IDOC and the state of Illinois has been moving on this massive project mostly behind closed doors, with little information made publicly available.
The No New Prisons IL Campaign is asking people both outside and behind bars in Illinois: Do you want over a billion dollars spent on the construction of two new prisons? Or, do you think there are better investments for our people?
Because of how the money was obtained, it can only be used for capital infrastructure projects in Illinois- things like building or updating roads, public buildings, sewage and water systems, etc. It can’t be used for operations- ie paying teachers or funding programs. We have provided a list of capital infrastructure projects to choose from as alternative options for the funds; please feel free to add your own ideas!
We have sent physical copies of this survey to people locked up in IDOC, but due to issues with mail scanning & repression, if you have incarcerated loved one(s), it’s incredibly helpful to go though the survey with them via phone or email, and fill their answers in here online. Please also share this broadly with your networks! The survey should not take more than about 5 minutes to complete.
Thank You! No New Prisons IL