Governor Pritzker announced a transformative capital investment plan for Illinois Department of Corrections facilities on March 15th, 2024, which includes rebuilding Logan and Stateville Correctional Centers to address critical infrastructure needs, saving the state hundreds of millions in deferred maintenance costs. The plan aims to modernize century-old facilities with an estimated cost of $805 to $935 million, targeting annual operations savings of $34 million, and aligns with Illinois' commitment to safety, reduced incarceration, and humane conditions for incarcerated community members.

The overarching objective of these projects, which are anticipated to span three to five years, aligns with Illinois' commitment to bolstering safety measures, reducing incarceration rates, and creating humane conditions for incarcerated individuals, as highlighted by state officials and advocacy groups. Illinois Justice Project’s director, Ahmadou Dramé reports that they “support the elimination of any and all conditions that are unsafe and unhealthy or put those housed in the Illinois Department of Corrections at risk.” However, amidst the positive discourse surrounding this investment, concerns have been raised regarding its potential implications for the incarcerated community. Specifically, the displacement of individuals during the reconstruction process and uncertainties surrounding the continuity of educational programs and classes have prompted apprehension among both currently incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.

Furthermore, while Governor Pritzker's statement acknowledges efforts to address the deplorable conditions within correctional facilities, there remains ambiguity regarding whether similar improvements will extend to the Northern Reception and Classification Intake Center (NRC), particularly concerning its role during the reconstruction of Stateville Correctional Center. This lack of clarity, coupled with a perceived absence of consultation with currently incarcerated individuals and their advocates, has led to skepticism regarding the comprehensiveness and inclusivity of the proposed plan.

These large-scale projects fail to prioritize the needs and rights of incarcerated individuals, neglecting to address systemic issues at the root of mass incarceration. We are calling for a paradigm shift away from reliance on punitive measures and towards a vision of a society devoid of prisons, jails, and detention centers. Consequently, we oppose Governor Pritzker's decision, viewing it as an extension of the carceral system that perpetuates violence and undermines the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals and their communities. I am signing onto the Coalition to Decarcerate​'s letter because I too demand that Governor Pritzker openly address the concerns of our incarcerated community members and uplift how this plan continues to violently impact them.