SPRINGFIELD - Despite desperate calls all spring for more state spending on schools, health care and pensions, members of the Illinois House appear to be inching toward a budget with few new dollars for any kind of added programs.

In a rare news conference Wednesday, House Speaker Michael Madigan said a survey of his Democratic members found little backing for any kind of tax increase.

"The questionnaire and the results are pretty clear that there's not sufficient support in the House caucus for an increase in income tax or an increase in the sales tax," the powerful Chicago Democrat said.

While that should be good news for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has steadfastly pledged to veto any attempt by lawmakers to raise the income or sales taxes, it comes on the heels of the House solidly rejecting his plan to raise taxes on businesses.

Madigan also said there has been little support for the governor's plan to use an estimated $10 billion from the lease of the state lottery to pay down state pension debt.

The House Republicans' chief budget negotiator said that pretty much seals the fate of any push to boost state spending.

"Clearly, if the House Democrats do not support a tax increase, there will not be a tax increase," said state Rep. Mark Beaubien, R-Barrington Hills. "We won't vote for a tax increase."

Patty Schuh, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, said Senate Republicans are encouraged to hear others speaking out against higher taxes.

With just a week left in the scheduled spring session, the governor's office pledged to fight against a zero-growth budget, even if it means calling lawmakers into a special overtime session during the summer months.

"We're hoping that doesn't happen," said Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch.

A bloc of Democratic senators also has expressed opposition to a no-growth budget, saying the state needs to spend more on schools and cut property taxes.

While there was little support for tax increases in the House, Madigan did say there is some support to expand gambling. House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, also has expressed an interest in expanding gambling to finance a road and school construction program.

"I have an interest in that. (Cross) does also," Madigan said. "I expect that we'll have further conversations."

Madigan's comments came on the same day the Chicago Tribune reported that the governor's campaign fund had been subpoenaed by federal investigators. Details about what is being sought are not known, but the revelations came to light in the midst of some of the most tense budget talks in years.

Rausch referred questions about the subpoena to Blagojevich campaign spokesman Doug Scofield. He did not return telephone messages left at his Chicago office.

Lawmakers said the possible probe could hurt Blagojevich at the negotiating table when budget talks begin with Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, as early as today.

"I think it weakens the governor's position," said state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline. "I don't think there's any doubt about that."

State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Clare, said an ongoing federal probe of the governor could muddy a budget process that's already been tough for Blagojevich.

"He's been unwilling or unable or both to bring people together," Burzynski said.

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865.