State Historic Sites Closed By Blagojevich Reopening Next Week: Quinn

CHICAGO (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn says historic sites shuttered by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich are reopening next week.

Illinois Historic Preservation Agency spokesman Dave Blanchette said recall notices were sent to 33 laid-off workers from the 11 closed sites.

Blanchette said the state hopes workers can report for duty April 22 and that the sites would reopen soon after.

Quinn said it was "false economy" by Blagojevich to try to save money by closing the sites and seven state parks, which have been reopened.

The closures cost the state tourism revenue and Quinn said he's not going to "squeeze a nickel and lose half dollars."

To fix the state's budget problems, Quinn has proposed a 50 percent increase in the state income tax rate to help fill an $11.5 billion budget deficit.