Donations drying up for Lincoln library foundation

The chairman of the foundation behind the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum says fundraising is drying up because of tensions between the library's executive director and the director of the state agency that oversees it.

Wayne Whalen told a legislative panel Wednesday that the foundation has heard from numerous donors who don't plan on contributing money until problems are resolved. The foundation raised $4.7 million last year and has raised about $3.2 million so far this year.

House Speaker Michael Madigan introduced legislation this spring that would separate the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the museum. Madigan says the Lincoln library is held back because it needs permission for operations from the agency.

But other lawmakers including Democratic Rep. Jack Franks say different solutions should be considered.