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Quinn Vetoes Cuts To Free Days At Museums

(STMW) -- Citing concern for low-income families, Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed legislation Tuesday that would have cut by half the number of free days state museums and aquariums have to offer Illinois residents.

The measure, which passed both chambers of the Legislature last spring, would have reduced the number of free days from 52 to 26 in a move that would have raised revenue for Illinois cultural institutions.

"Many Illinois families can only visit these museums on the 52 days that they are currently open to residents free of charge," the governor wrote in a letter to lawmakers that explains his veto.

The governor's move may be symbolic because the legislation sponsored by Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) and Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) passed the House and Senate by margins sufficient to override Quinn's veto.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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