One of the nation’s premier state museums has been forced to close its doors to the public due to a government budget impasse.
The Illinois State Museum is home to some of the country’s best researchers and is recognized for its contributions in a diverse range of disciplines, including fine art, paleontology, zoology, and local history. In addition, the museum has, for over 100 years, offered the public a chance to enjoy and learn from its collection and has been an invaluable asset to the state of Illinois.
Despite opposition from the state legislature and the public, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has closed the museum due to a state budget impasse that has now lasted over 100 days. The measure was taken to save the state from an ever-increasing budget crisis, and layoffs are likely to follow.
Although the museum is closed indefinitely to the public, scientists remain at work on their research, though their days appear to be numbered. Eventually, the museum may employ only a team of a few individuals to preserve the collections.
To learn more, visit Fox Illinois.
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State Museum Shuts Its Doors
