SPRINGFIELD - The continuing controversy over Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to move jobs from Springfield to Southern Illinois could inch closer to a conclusion next week.

It's then that a panel of lawmakers could vote on the proposal, choosing to recommend whether the governor should proceed. He wants to move 136 Illinois Department of Transportation jobs from Springfield to Harrisburg.

Lawmakers on the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, as well as staff for the group, say a vote could come Tuesday.

"I think they anticipate the vote," said Jim Muschinske, revenue manager for the commission. "Nothing's set in stone."

A vote would follow months of controversy surrounding the proposal, as well as an hours-long hearing last week. Springfield-area workers say losing their jobs would be devastating.

Pontiac Correctional Center workers face a similar controversy, with Blagojevich's talk of closing the prison.

A hearing on that plan was scheduled for Tuesday, but Blagojevich called lawmakers back to Springfield for a special session on education funding and a statewide construction plan.

The panel could have voted on the transportation department transfer at the similarly contentious meeting in Pontiac. Now, it appears that decision will happen in Springfield.

"We might as well do that in Springfield," said state Rep. Rich Myers, a Colchester Republican and co-chairman of the commission.

No matter what they decide, Blagojevich has already called the DOT move a "done deal." Court challenges could result if the commission recommends against the plan and the governor pushes on anyway.

Thursday, Blagojevich spokesman Brian Williamsen wouldn't say what the administration plans to do after the upcoming vote.

"We will look forward to getting the commission's recommendation," he said.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865