NW Illinois News

State Representative Brad Fritts (R-Dixon) addressed the press alongside other House Republicans to discuss ongoing agency mismanagement that has led to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Jack Mabley Developmental Center in Dixon is one of three centers under scrutiny for adults with severe developmental disabilities.

Fritts expressed concerns about the Mabley Developmental Center: “Unfortunately, Mabley Developmental Center has been rife with issues and utter mismanagement for years,” he stated. “Numerous cases of abuse and neglect have been reported at this facility that is supposed to protect and care for Illinoisans who have developmental disabilities."

He conveyed his distress over the situation: “Frankly, I am just sick to my stomach hearing about these incidents. And these are just a few of the horrific examples of the abuse and neglect patients have experienced at Mabley. Imagine how many more individuals will never have their stories told because they went unreported."

Fritts criticized Governor Pritzker's handling of the situation: “While Governor Pritzker was off in Mexico, the federal government had to step in and address this issue. President Trump is doing our governor’s job for him!" Fritts continued, “It’s long past time that Governor Pritzker gets off his jet, rolls up his sleeves, and gets to work here in Illinois instead of campaigning in swing states, funding a Supreme Court race in Wisconsin, or chasing after CNN and MSNBC for a crumb of national attention. His agencies, which he is supposed to take full responsibility for, are failing the people of Illinois. They are allowing our most vulnerable to be abused and neglected over and over again. It’s time for change now!”

Further details and statements made by Representative Fritts can be found on his website, RepFritts.com.