The Severed Cortex

Link: http://www.dana-thomas.org/

Being a former architecture student and Frank Lloyd Wright devotee, this hits a little too close to home. Plus, we have friends who volunteer here.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT DESIGNED DANA-THOMAS HOUSE SCHEDULED TO CLOSE OCTOBER 1, 2008

We thought this would never happen again, but it has.

On August 28 it was announced, as a result of cuts to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Budget, made by Governor Rod Blagojevich, that the Dana-Thomas House will close to the public beginning October 1, 2008. The following are just a few reasons why we think this is an unfortunate political decision:

We do not believe that there will be any savings to the state as a result of closing the Dana-Thomas House, once lost revenues are considered.

Tourism is one of the top economic industries in the State of Illinois.

The extremely valuable collection of the site will be at risk and the volunteer program will be destroyed.

The citizens of the State of Illinois should have access to and enjoyment of the properties purchased with their tax dollars.

If you feel as we do, that the house should remain open to the public, we urge you to contact state legislators in Illinois as soon as possible. Contact information has been attached for your convenience. We hope that you will express your feelings about this decision and appreciate your ongoing support.

Contact your legislators about the budget crisis via email, USPS mail, or by phone.

To find contact information for the legislators from your area, visit http://www.ilga.gov/
Governor
Governor Rod Blagojevich (D)
207 Statehouse
Springfield, IL 62706
Capitol Phone: (217) 782-0244
Chicago Phone: (312) 814-2121
(800) 642-3112
Email: governor@state.il.us

House Leadership
Michael J. Madigan (D-22nd District)
Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
300 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
District Phone: (773) 581-8000
Capitol Phone: (217) 782-5350
Email: mmadigan@hds.ilga.gov

Senate Leadership
Senator Emil Jones Jr. (D-14th District)
President of the Illinois Senate
327 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
District Office: (773) 995-7748
Capitol Phone: (217) 782-2728
Email: jones@senatedem.state.il.us

Republican Leadership
Frank Watson (R-51st District)
Illinois Senate Minority Leader
309A Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
District Office Phone: (618) 664-9108
Capitol Phone: (217) 782-5755
Email: Frank_Watson51@sbcglobal.net

Tom Cross (R-84th District)
Illinois House Minority Leader
316 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
District Office Phone: 815-254-0000
Capitol Phone: (217) 782-1331
Email: Tom@TomCross.com

IHPA Director Jan Grimes
313 South Sixth Street
Springfield, IL 62701
E-mail: Jan.Grimes@illinois.gov