SPRINGFIELD — A debate over the future of developmental disability and mental health care in Illinois is paving the way for a behind-the-scenes brawl between unions in the state.

Gov. Pat Quinn rang the bell in the fall when he announced the closure of seven state facilities, two of which care for people with developmentally disabilities, because of a lack of funds. 

Now with a budget address two weeks away, Quinn has announced closing at least one developmental disabled facility and a state-run mental health facility, the Jacksonville Developmental Center andTinley Park Mental Health Center, respectively. Both were targeted for closure by Quinn in the fall.

The two centers employ 546 people, most of whom are members of the public-sector union American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, or AFSCME.

AFSCME is fighting hard to keep those jobs, sending letters to lawmakers and holding public protests. If the facilities close, their residents will be moved to smaller, community-care facilities, staffed by employees who are likely members of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, a private-sector union.