The brutal death of Mr. Clementz in the care of the Murray Developmental Center is tragic.
It is indicative of a culture that uses “punishment” showering. The Arc mourns his passing.
Last spring, the Going Home Coalition, including The Arc, called for the closing of six of
the seven fully operational state institutions in Illinois. Research has proven that people
with disabilities live safer and healthier lives in small community homes. In addition, small
community homes are extremely cost effective when compared to the cost of obsolete
state institutions. The state now spends $429 million on state institutions. There are now
14 states without state institutions and Illinois remains one of the most institutionalized
states in America with 1,700 individuals confined in those state institutions.
The Arc of Illinois once again calls upon Governor Rauner to begin closing Murray,
and five other fully operational state institutions in Illinois.
It is time.
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org
