SPRINGFIELD - A week after Gov. Rod Blagojevich rolled out a budget proposing billions of dollars in tax breaks and building projects, lawmakers are talking about their own plans.

Blagojevich left some wiggle room in his proposals, saying he's open to variations on his ideas. More concepts have popped up, meaning the eventual budget could look significantly different.

"The General Assembly is now going in all different directions," said state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon.

House Democrats are planning hearings across the state throughout March, including events in Decatur and Rock Island County, lawmakers said.

"We just need to hear how this budget would affect them," said state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion. The Decatur meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the Lincoln Square Theatre.

In the Senate, a panel of lawmakers this week approved an income tax increase, an idea Blagojevich is firmly against.

State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, said he was surprised how much attention the tax increase plan was getting because it's seen little success in past years.

"There's more than I thought there would be," Forby said.

House Republicans want to see a special full meeting of the House to talk about a statewide construction plan.

"Our roads, school buildings, higher education facilities, state facilities and mass transit needs can no longer be deferred or mired in politics," House Minority Leader Tom Cross wrote in a letter to House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Blagojevich's budget proposal calls for a $25 billion proposal to fix roads, bridges and schools. He also wants business tax cuts and $300 checks sent to families for each of their children.

Thursday, the Senate approved a hospital plan intended to lure more money to the state from the federal government.

Lawmakers left Springfield on Thursday and don't plan to return until next week.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.