CHICAGO (AP) — Several witnesses subpoenaed by Illinois legislators to testify about Gov. Pat Quinn’s troubled anti-violence program are opting not to appear.

The Legislative Audit Commission subpoenaed seven former members of Quinn’s administration to testify today about the now-defunct Neighborhood Recovery Initiative. A state audit concluded the program was poorly managed and misused money.

Federal prosecutors are investigating the $55 million program and want lawmakers to hold off on the subpoenas. Republicans want to proceed.
Legislators haven’t yet voted on whether to call the witnesses. But lawyers for six of the witnesses told legislators Wednesday their clients won’t appear. They say it’s in deference to federal prosecutors’ request.

The seventh witness, former Quinn adviser Billy Ocasio, has appeared but tells the commission he’s “not ready” to testify.

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