Plan to reopen State Museum approved

From Illinis Business Journal news services

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Andy Manar’s proposal to reopen the Illinois State Museum system received veto-proof support from lawmakers in their efforts to undo the governor’s closings.

Manar, D-Bunker Hill, introduced Senate Bill 317 in July to guarantee that the State Museum in Springfield – and its four branch sites — stay open.

The Senate approved the legislation in August. The House approved it Tuesday. Both the House and Senate approved it with bipartisan, veto-proof majorities. The legislation now goes to the governor.

Manar issued the following statement:

“The State Museum is a vital educational and cultural institution and should remain open. The success of this legislation is a credit to the work of every ISM supporter who made the case and showed how important this institution truly is.”