Residents asked to join in fight for DHS office

As they continue their fight to keep the local Illinois Department of Human Services office open, Vandalia officials are encouraging local residents to be a part of that effort.
Mayor Rick Gottman said at last week’s city council meeting that he has contacted all area legislators, as well as Gov. Pat Quinn’s office and the state’s Central Management Services, as part of his effort to prevent the planned closure of the DHS office on Dec. 27.
The state’s plan is to have area residents use the DHS office in Centralia.
The closure of that office, Gottman said, not only results in the loss of about half a dozen jobs, it also forces the elderly, disabled and low-income residents who use the Public Aid office, which is located at 228 W. Johnson St., to travel up to 60 miles each way to receive services.
Gottman also noted that John Kirby, who owns the building that houses the DHS office, has lowered the agency’s rent in an attempt to accommodate the state.
That’s particularly odd, he said, because he’s been told that the state plans to spend funds for either renovations or an expansion to the Centralia office, to accommodate an increase in clients using that office.
City officials ask that local residents call Quinn’s office to voice their opposition to the closing of the DHS office in Vandalia.
The phone number to use is 217-782-0244, and the fax number is 217-524-4049.