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Lawmakers called back by governor

By Kurt Erickson, The Southern Springfield Bureau

Thursday, July 3, 2008 10:13 AM CDT

SPRINGFIELD - Despite few signs it will do much good, Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday called on lawmakers to return to the Capitol next week for another go-around on the state budget.

The governor urged the Illinois House to sign off on a number of proposals that could help close a $2 billion budget gap.

The call for a special session came as the state entered its second day of the new fiscal year without a spending plan in place.

Officials say Illinoisans won't likely notice the lack of a budget for at least the next 10 days.

The governor's decree is the latest chapter in a high-stakes game of political chicken between him and House Speaker Michael Madigan

The move could result in a repeat of last summer, when the governor's call for a special session yielded more acrimony than progress.

"'I'm not overly encouraged that this will be productive,"' said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington.

"Here we go again,' added state Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill.

The move could even backfire on the governor, said state Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.

If Madigan and his loyalists do show up for the special session, the speaker might stir the pot or even try to begin impeachment proceedings against the governor.

While Madigan probably wouldn't be successful in getting Blagojevich impeached, or formally accused of misdoing, the speaker could give the governor more hassle, Luechtefeld said in a visit with The Southern's editorial board.

Blagojevich said he was forced to call a special session for July 9 and 10 because Madigan hadn't yet taken any action to avert possible budget cuts.

"Since the House Democratic leaders have failed to call the House back to Springfield to pass these revenues, I must do the responsible thing for the state and call them back myself," Blagojevich said.

In making the announcement, however, Blagojevich offered no new proposals that could end the stalemate.

For example, House Democratic leaders are skittish over Blagojevich's proposal to raise $400 million by restructuring state pension programs. The House Democrats cite instability in the nation's economy.

A proposal to transfer money out of special state funds also has met resistance and attempts to expand gambling and lease the state lottery have already been turned down in the House.

State Rep. George Scully, D-Flossmoor, said the proposals don't have much support.

"They will almost certainly be voted down," Scully said.

If no additional money is approved, the governor says he'll cut $1.5 billion out of the budget. Aid to poor people, Amtrak riders, hospitals, nursing homes and veterans would be affected.

The state's irresponsible spending has gotten so out of hand during the past several years, Luechtefeld said, "It will take years and years of doing the right thing," he said. "But you'd have to do the right thing."

That might only be possible for a high-profile gubernatorial candidate who can deal with the House and Senate and be satisfied with a single term, and Luechtefeld acknowledged there's no such candidate on the horizon.

Blame can be heaped on the governor for his spending and the state's growing debt, Luechtefeld said, but people should understand nearly all of the decisions that lead to this situation had to pass through the Legislature.

"This debt has been acquired with enough votes to get it done," he said.

- Laura Chapman contributed to this report.

kurt.erickson@lee.net / (217) 789-0865

laura.chapman@thesouthern.com / 351-5816