By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – The state of Illinois has awarded a big contract to a company that once lost a state contract amidst labor problems.
Wexford Health Sources will provide health services to prison inmates in Illinois. The contract could be worth more than $547 million.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services awarded the contract to the Pittsburgh-based company this week.
The agreement will pay Wexford $97.6 million in the first year and $103.9 million in the second year. It also includes three one-year renewal options which could raise its total value to $547.2 million.
The state canceled its previous contract with Wexford just before the company's union-represented workers planned to go on strike.