SPRINGFIELD - Efforts to stave off cuts to state parks, historic sites and social service programs are back in the hands of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

In action Monday, the Senate quietly forwarded legislation to the governor designed to restore more than $220 million in cuts to a variety of state programs.

The two measures were approved earlier by the House and Senate, but the governor couldn't take formal action on the proposals because they hadn't been transmitted to his desk.

Under state law, the governor now has 60 days, or until Dec. 6, to sign, veto or change the legislation.

The governor has targeted two dozen parks and historic sites for closure Nov. 30 because of a budget gap of at least $1.4 billion.

Even though the bills are officially in his hands, a spokesman for the governor wouldn't answer questions about the legislation Monday.

For example, after the House and Senate approved their plan to keep parks and historic sites open, spokesman Brian Williamsen said there may be technical problems with the bills.

He wouldn't address that issue Monday.

Williamsen also wouldn't answer whether lobbying efforts by citizens to halt the closures are having any effect on the governor's decision.

"Nothing has changed from our end, though," Williamsen noted in a brief e-mail message.

A number of groups are involved in attempting to stall or stop the cuts.

Local activists at historic sites and parks also have launched petition drives aimed at showing the governor his decision is flawed.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union is involved in talks regarding the hundreds of workers who would lose their jobs if the closures occur.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also is involved, because federal funds were used to improve some of the affected parks.

And it's not just parks and historic sites that are in the cross-hairs.

Mental health providers and other social service agencies are facing deep cuts.

Several not-for-profit agencies across the state are laying off workers in the face of the drop-off in funding. That, say advocates, could harm mentally ill people who need services.

"The fallout from these actions will be felt by local law enforcement and hospitals," said David Cole of the Moultrie County Counseling Center in Sullivan.

The legislation is Senate Bill 790 and Senate Bill 1103.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865