Sen. Barickman: Commission Should Subpoena Quinn Program

The head of a legislative commission that helps review use of public funds says he'll seek subpoena powers to investigate Gov. Pat Quinn's 2010 anti-violence program.

The Neighborhood Recovery Initiative Program is already the subject of Cook County and federal probes. State auditors this year identified management problems.
 
State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said Monday that he'll seek subpoena power during Tuesday's Legislative Audit Commission meeting. A majority vote is needed of the commission that reviews state audits.

Barickman alleges taxpayer dollars were "squandered'' for a "political slush fund'' with the program Quinn started before 2010's election.
 
Quinn has said no one received money prior to the election and he corrected problems ahead of the audit.  Quinn's spokeswoman pointed Monday to the Chicago Democrat's support of legislation overhauling grant oversight.