SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A downstate Illinois representative is being credited for a spirited debate that has brightened the future of the closed Hardin County Work Camp.
HCWC, situated north of Cave-in-Rock on Illinois Route 1, was closed late last year due to budget restraints as Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and the state legislature are at an impasse and cannot get a budget passed.
Brandon Phelps
The work camp was a casualty, but Harrisburg-based Democrat State Rep Brandon Phelps of the 118th District was able to get his legislation on the matter, HB 4236, out of the house today and into the senate to get the work camp reopened. Phelps' bill passed 69-34.
Reggie Phillips
A strong opponent of Phelps', Reggie Phillips (R-110th), went after Phelps' bill but in the end, after an intense debate, voted for Phelps' bill. This is significant not only because of the actual vote, but because Phillips is a strong supporter of Phelps' opponent, Jason Kasiar of Eldorado (more on that over the next couple of weeks.)
You can listen to the debate at this link.
We contacted Phelps for a comment after the busy day and he stated he was "proud of fighting for his district." Phelps has repeatedly fought for the constituents of the downstate 118th, especially when it comes to jobs (which the work camp certainly represents for many here in southern Illinois) and Constitutional issues such as Concealed Carry.
