Lawmaker Resigns Amid Questions

An Illinois lawmaker who promoted an AIDS awareness organization that attracted the interest of federal prosecutors has resigned.
The Chicago Tribune reports (http://trib.in/NVfz4e) Chicago Democratic Rep. Connie Howard, in a July 6 letter to House Speaker Mike Madigan, resigned effective July 9. She cited “personal reasons.”
Subpoenas issued in 2009 requested documents from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity relating to grants given the now-defunct Let’s Talk, Let’s Test Foundation.  
The health department sought to recoup payments of $1.2 million and economic development agency sought return of $500,000 through legal action taken by Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office.
Although the foundation was eventually ordered to repay $1 million, Madigan spokesman Natalie Bauer says it’s unlikely the state will recover the money. (AP)