Finance committee gives up workers' comp

Without Alderman Edward Burke as chairman or even in the room, the City Council's Finance Committee agreed Tuesday to transfer control over Chicago's $100 million-a-year workers' compensation program from the committee to the Department of Finance.

Alderman Pat O'Connor was chairing his first Finance Committee meeting since Burke resigned the chairmanship. Burke surrendered the post earlier this month, a day after being charged with attempted extortion; he's accused of shaking down a Burger King franchise owner for legal business and for a $10,000 campaign contribution to County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

For 30 years, Burke had presided over the Finance Committee like a king on his throne. And facing the first meeting in decades without the gavel in his hand, Burke didn't even bother to attend.

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