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Rep. Constance Howard resigns from Legislature

An Illinois lawmaker who promoted an AIDS awareness organization that attracted the interest of federal prosecutors has resigned.

The Chicago Tribune reports Rep. Connie Howard resigned in a July 6 letter to House Speaker Michael Madigan, effective July 9. The Chicago Democrat 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 to the now-defunct Let’s Talk, Let’s Test Foundation.

The Public Health Department sought to recoup $1.2 million and the other agency sought return of $500,000 through legal action taken by Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office.

Although the foundation was ordered to repay $1 million, a spokeswoman for the attorney general says it’s unlikely the state will recover the money.

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