Senator Jim Oberweis makes a point while Representative Rich Brauer (at right) listens during a meeting July 16 of the Legislative Audit Commission. Senator Oberweis is a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Commission that is meeting in Chicago to continue its review of Governor Pat Quinn’s failed Neighborhood Recovery Initiative (NRI).
A scathing audit of Quinn’s NRI released in February has so far given rise to federal and state criminal investigations and an ongoing investigation by the Legislative Audit Commission, which scheduled hearings July 16-17 to receive testimony from seven former Quinn Administration officials who had been issued subpoenas in June. But in the interim, the United States Justice Department asked the Commission to wait 90 days before proceeding.
The Commission considered at its July 16 meeting the Justice Department’s request to place their investigation on temporary hold. The Commission is reconvening July 17 to consider Senator Oberweis’ motion to delay taking testimony from the witnesses for 90 days unless the U.S. Attorney asks for a further delay. The Commission will also be receiving requested documents.