The Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, recently spoke up about farm families and how they are important to the state, as they are neighbors and deserve a significant amount of gratitude and respect. While making this announcement, several workers and their families who are now dealing with the aftermath of the closures of state facilities were there as well. Quinn, however, was not at the news conference to speak with any of the protestors that showed up and there were police officers that asked protestors to step back and away from the news conference that was going on. Some people believe that this was a coward move of Pat Quinn because he did not want to hear commentary from people who disagree with his opinion or actually having something they want to say.

A spokesperson for Quinn, Brooke Anderson, says that while there were rumors that the location of the news conference had been changed in order to avoid any of the protesters was completely false in the first place, stating that Quinn was not trying to avoid anyone. Instead, Anderson claims that they chose the farm for the news conference because the owner of the farm said that they would let the mayor inspect it and its damage. Quinn was there to make an announcement about different assistance programs that farmers will be able to depend on, especially since many of these farmers are dealing with seriously damaged crops due to the problematic heat and the major lack of any rain.

Many people have asked that Quinn reconsider the closures, specifically unions that are representing the workers who are now being deeply affected by these closures that are taking place. They believe that it is possible to save jobs. However, Quinn has argued that it is not possible and continues to say that the closures are taking place. He also pointed out that a number of the facilities are typically only half full. He also says that the prisons are not being built just to help with employment for the state of Illinois and that it is actually about doing what is necessary. Quinn also said that as a mayor, he sometimes has to make decisions that are often difficult to make. He believes that his decision is the best one for the overall common good and is not backing down.

The news conference was the first time that Quinn had been seen around Chicago in several weeks. Ironically, it was about the same amount of weeks since the area happened to see any rain that would help the crops to grow.