SPRINGFIELD - Top lawmakers are mulling over a compromise aimed at keeping state parks and historic sites from closing.

Approval of the plan, which is expected to include money for cash-starved social service programs, could come as early as today, but it's unclear whether a compromise would be reached soon.

Two weeks ago, the Illinois House approved new spending that would restore some of the money Gov. Rod Blagojevich cut from state agencies.

The Illinois Senate hasn't approved that plan, but leaders met Monday in an attempt to find a compromise.

"I think there's an agreement to work things out," said state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline.

A key GOP budget negotiator said Republicans don't normally support the proposed method of paying for the spending. The plan calls for pulling cash from hundreds of state funds typically reserved for dedicated purposes, such as agricultural programs or paying for state employee pensions.

But state Sen. Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, said Republicans could be willing to hold their noses and vote for the plan if it means keeping state parks and historic sites open.

"We have not a single good choice left given the financial mess that the Democrats have put us in," Radogno said. "In order to keep our communities functioning, I think you will see some support."

On Monday, negotiations over restoring money that was cut by Blagojevich became bogged down by Democrat demands to include more money for Chicago-area transit systems.

The two sides are an estimated $40 million apart.

That the two sides were even talking could be welcome news to the thousands of people who have signed petitions asking the state to keep the 11 targeted state parks open.

As part of the cuts, the governor plans to close the parks and all or parts of 14 historic sites Nov. 30. Initially, they were supposed to close earlier, but the governor rolled back the dates, leaving open the possibility that the General Assembly could work out a way to keep the facilities open.

Senate President Emil Jones said many of the issues, including the attempted rescue of parks and historic sites, already were agreed upon by lawmakers Monday afternoon.

"We all agree on that," the powerful Chicago Democrat said. "Those issues will be addressed."

Monday, LeRoy residents Madelon Gallagher and second-grader Sarah Welander visited Springfield to deliver petitions with 7,376 signatures to Blagojevich's office.

"How are the children going to learn about nature if they can't get out into nature?" Gallagher said.

In the Capitol rotunda, clients of Decatur-based Macon Resources rallied for a restoration of funding for the second time in three weeks. Director Dreux Lewandowski said state cuts could lead to layoffs, and in turn problems for the organization helping the disabled.

"Illinois continually balances its budget on vulnerable citizens," Lewandowski said.

The Illinois House and Senate plan to meet today.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865