SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Pat Quinn would downsize, but not close, state prisons as part of his latest plan to cut $1 billion in state spending.

The governor is calling for the reduction of at least 1,000 workers at the Illinois Department of Corrections.

An outline of the cuts distributed by the governor's staff Tuesday doesn't offer details on how the downsizing would work.

But, he appears to be not following the lead of his predecessor Rod Blagojevich, who attempted, but failed, to close prisons as a way to save money.

The move comes as the state grapples with rising overtime costs at prisons.

In addition to proposed cuts at prisons, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice would lose 105 positions. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources would see 67 layoffs, while the Illinois State Police would lose 303 workers.

Quinn says the cuts would have to be made even with an income tax hike. The state began its new fiscal year Wednesday without a budget in place.

In all, Quinn estimates the state workforce would be reduced by about 2,200 workers. Remaining employees would be forced to take 12 furlough days.