Metro East Sun

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) recently visited the Murray Developmental Center in Centralia, as reported on February 29, 2024.

Rep. Charlie Meier expressed his satisfaction with Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton's visit, stating, "After many years of trying to schedule an Illinois Lt. Governor to tour Murray Center at my invitation, I am pleased that Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton accepted the invitation to tour this wonderful place on Thursday that residents call their home."

Meier also highlighted the significance of the visit, mentioning, “We have had both Governor Rauner and Governor Pritzker tour Murray Center before they were elected governor to showcase what we believe is the premiere SODC in the state.”

During the tour, Lt. Governor Stratton engaged with the residents at Murray Center and met with the Officers of the Murray Parents Association. Rep. Meier expressed his appreciation for the visit, stating, “Lt. Governor Stratton also took the time to meet with residents at Murray as well as Officers of the Murray Parents Association. We had a wonderful visit with the Lt. Governor, she is welcome to visit us any time.”

Accompanying Lt. Governor Stratton and Rep. Meier on the tour were Dulce Quintero, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Director for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Tonya Piephoff, and Kimberly Jones-Oparah Interim Deputy Director of State Operated Developmental Centers.

Visitors at Murray Center were required to wear masks in adherence to the policy of the Illinois Department of Public Health, especially when interacting with the vulnerable residents of the center.