SPRINGFIELD - Lawmakers on Wednesday took a step down what could be a winding trail toward keeping targeted state parks, historic sites and other facilities open.

The Illinois House approved $214 million in new spending intended to prevent the layoffs of hundreds of workers who deal with child abuse cases, as well as employees of state parks and historic sites that Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants to close in the coming months.

Lawmakers also approved a controversial way to come up with the money, though neither would take effect unless the Illinois Senate and Blagojevich approve as well.

The plan includes skimming money from special state funds, which are intended for specific purposes.

For example, the legislation approved Wednesday would take money originally intended for state programs geared toward agriculture, pet population control or myriad other causes and use the funds to stop Blagojevich's plan to close parks and lay off workers.

The concept of using special funds as a budget bandage has long been criticized by Republicans, in particular. But many voted for it Wednesday, anyway, blaming Blagojevich and saying pumping the money into the budget was more important. The plan was approved by a 97-16 vote.

"We didn't create this situation," said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, "But we're here to try to solve a problem."

Others, including state Reps. Bill Mitchell and Keith Sommer, voted for spending the cash without voting for the method of generating it. The spending plan to keep parks open was approved unanimously, 113-0.

Mitchell, a Forsyth Republican who represents Weldon Springs State Park near Clinton, said he couldn't vote for a plan that took $5 million out of the state's pension fund.

"That was a deal breaker," he said.

Sommer, a Morton Republican who represents Moraine View State Park near LeRoy, said the millions of dollars in transfers of cash weren't necessary to save the parks.

"To take away from these other important things was of great concern to me," Sommer said.

The public outcry over the plan to close 11 state parks and 13 historic sites has included local petition drives, planned rallies and letters to elected officials.

Before the vote, Clinton resident Jane Hovland was among those pushing for lawmakers to act.

"We own these state parks," Hovland said. "They're our state parks."

In addition, clients of Macon Resources Inc., a Decatur-based organization, rallied in the Capitol rotunda Wednesday morning, saying the governor's cuts will hurt its ability to serve disabled Illinoisans.

"The battle is on," state Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, said of public concern. "They're not going to give up easily."

But final approval might not come easily. The Senate isn't scheduled to return until after the election.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865.