Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is denying Republican claims that partisanship played a role his decision to take steps to close seven state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 workers.
Quinn said Friday "it's very clear" he didn't target facilities in Republican areas. Illinois House Republican leader Tom Cross has accused Quinn of targeting "Republican facilities and Republican jobs."
5 of the seven facilities Quinn targeted to close have both a Republican state senator and representative. A sixth has Democrats and a seventh is split with a Republican senator and Democratic representative.
Quinn maintains that layoffs and closings are necessary to live within the reduced budget passed by lawmakers unless they reallocate money. Cuts include a prison, a youth prison and facilities for the developmentally disabled and mentally ill.