SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) released the below statement following the passage of Senate Bill 689 that limits local control in libraries throughout Illinois.
“I have and will always be a strong advocate for the protection of freedom of speech and local control within our state and our nation. Senate Bill 689 is yet another attempt by the Super-Majority to strip local control from duly elected boards on the basis of partisan ideology. Because they are chosen by the people, our locally elected government bodies are in the best position to choose what belongs in our school and public libraries.
“Here in Southern Illinois, our local library boards and administrators are more than capable of completing their duties without the restrictions and subject matter limitations of Chicago politicians. I opposed this extreme legislation and will continue to defend our right to read and think for ourselves.”