SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says a southern Illinois judge's ruling that temporarily prohibits prison closures is "disappointing."
Associate Circuit Judge Charles Cavaness (KA'-vuh-nehs) issued the temporary restraining order on Tuesday in Alexander County.
Cavaness upheld an arbitrator's ruling on Friday that Quinn must negotiate with the workers' union on the terms of closing seven prison facilities.
Quinn wanted prisons at Tamms and Dwight and other sites closed by Friday to save money in a budget crisis.
Spokeswoman Kelly Kraft says it is "disappointing" that the state's effort to clean up the fiscal mess "continues to be halted."
The administration appealed the arbitrator's ruling in Cook County court.
The arbitrator ordered Quinn and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees to reach an agreement in 30 days.
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