Jacobs Meet and Greet at Java Hut

The sale of Thomson Correctional Center became official Tuesday, October 2, 2012, and State Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline), was pleased that the government has finally put an end to the budget stalemate on the federal level that has lasted for years. His comments came at a gathering of citizens at a Meet & Greet in Savanna on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Java Hut, hosted by owner and Carroll Co. Board member Kurt Dreger (D-1).

“These are additional dollars to our state budget, but more importantly, it brings the possibility of thousands of jobs in our area,” said Sen. Jacobs. “We have strong leadership at the federal level. President Barack Obama, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Governor Pat Quinn, the President of Thomson, IL Jerry Duke Hebeler and I all fought hard for this, and I am pleased we are moving forward.”

The prison’s sale has been stalled for years, most recently because of opposition from Congressman Frank Wolf, a Virginia Republican congressman who chairs a subcommittee overseeing the Bureau of Prisons.

Federal officials decided to go around Congressman Wolf and act on their own authority.

“The process of selling Thomson started years ago . . . I spoke with President Obama as recently as three weeks ago on this issue, and he told me we would get this done. People may not like the way it was done, but it got done. He is a man of his word.”

The fact that funding to open and operate the prison has still not been appropriated, Jacobs’ enthusiasm did not falter.

“This is a great day for job creation in our area. Thomson has been empty since it was built. When the feds get it up and running and put more people to work, this will spill over to the local economy.”

Last week, the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) ACTIVATOR, IFB’s political involvement fund which seeks to help elect candidates no matter party affiliation or office, announced Jacobs was endorsed by ACTIVATOR. The local ACTIVATOR Trustees in the 36th State Senate District endorsed Jacobs because he “supports key issues impacting agriculture and possesses the skills, knowledge and strong voice needed to serve the people of the 36th State Senate District.”

For more insight into Sen. Mike Jacobs, view the exclusive video interview with PA Publisher Tom Kocal.