South Central Reporter

Jason Plummer, a senator for Illinois State Senate District 55, has raised concerns about the management of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), emphasizing that both staff and inmate lives are at risk due to alleged mismanagement.

"The mismanagement of state government under Governor JB Pritzker never ceases to amaze me," said Plummer, State Senator 55th District (R), according to Facebook. "Some have paid for it with their lives. If there is not course correction at Illinois Department of Corrections ASAP more deaths will occur. Every life matters - staff and inmate."

According to a report from the Center Square, Republican state senators, including Plummer, are advocating for the removal of Latoya Hughes from her position as acting director of the IDOC. The report highlights that on May 15, the Illinois Senate Executive Appointments Committee advanced Hughes' appointment to the full Senate with a 4-2 vote. During this meeting, Plummer questioned Hughes regarding mail scanning procedures intended to prevent exposure to synthetic drugs among inmates and staff. Hughes reportedly said that the DOC is collaborating with union partners on these issues but did not provide specific details. Additionally, she did not address questions concerning inmate deaths in 2025.

Screenshot of State Senator Jason Plummer's May 19 post on Facebook | State Senator Jason Plummer's Facebook page

The Center Square report also features a video showing footage from a press conference held by Republican senators and a hearing where Plummer interrogated Hughes about housing inmates in facilities slated for closure. In response, Hughes mentioned that no permanent decisions had been made but acknowledged that the closure process for Stateville had commenced. She assured that collaboration with union partners would ensure an orderly process. During the press conference, Plummer attributed these issues not solely to LaToya Hughes but also to what he perceives as mismanagement by Governor Pritzker's administration. He warned of potential fatalities if changes are not implemented.

On May 5, Advantage News reported on a confirmation hearing for LaToya Hughes, who was nominated nearly a year ago to lead the IDOC. At this hearing, Plummer criticized the lack of public hearings concerning facility closures and accused Governor Pritzker's administration of relocating inmates while claiming unaffected status for facilities marked for closure.

Senator Plummer has represented Southern Illinois in the Illinois General Assembly since his election in 2018 and positions himself as an independent conservative voice advocating for constituents he believes have been overlooked by Springfield politicians.