Panel Plans To Resume Anti-Violence Program Probe

A bipartisan panel of lawmakers plans to resume its probe next week of a troubled anti-violence program overseen by Gov. Pat Quinn's administration.

State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) says he and panel co-chair, state Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), have informed subpoenaed witnesses of their duty to appear at hearings on Oct. 8 and 9 in Chicago.

Barickman says the notice follows word from the U.S. Attorney James Lewis that the Legislative Audit Commission can proceed with hearings as scheduled without interrupting a federal probe of the $54.5 million program.  

Federal authorities this summer had requested that the commission to suspend interviews of those connected to the program for 90 days.
 
Seven witnesses, including Quinn's former chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, have been subpoenaed to testify.