And these are jobs with a decent salary and minimal education requirements. The Illinois Department of Corrections employs 16,000 people throughout the state. Brian Fairchild, Illinois Department of Corrections spokesman, said the department has a 7 to 8 percent turnover rate. Grayville is slated to be the next small town to cash in on the prison industry. Grayville Mayor Joe Bisch has failed at two attempts to bring a prison to his town, but in exchange for 250 acres of free land, the state did not pass the offer up this time.
Construction is projected to begin next spring.
We have been on the downswing for so many years. Targeting increases in tourism, the coal industry and the prison system has given the Southern Illinois economy hope for the future. Many have joined the effort to bring the coal industry back to Illinois. Bost sponsored three pieces of legislation aimed at putting power plants near existing coal mines, which will provide energy and new jobs. Winchester was appointed chairman of Illinois to the Delta Regional Authority March 16.