SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Senate took a step Tuesday toward staving off budget cuts to state parks, historic sites and social service programs.

On a 40-15 vote, the Senate followed earlier action by the House to sweep special state funds to keep 11 parks and 14 historic sites from closing Nov. 30 as part of a budget fight between lawmakers and Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

But their efforts to restore $221 million to the budget unfolded under the cloud of more financial pain as the Democratic administration said the dismal economy could result in less tax revenue flowing into state coffers in the coming months.

In short, the projected decrease of $200 million in revenue this fiscal year could nearly negate the effects of the legislature's actions.

Republicans, who are hoping to pick up seats in the Nov. 4 election, blamed the financial upheaval on Democrats who have controlled state government since 2003. Even without the latest projections, the state budget is estimated to be at least $2 billion out of balance.

parks/a2

parks

Continued from A1

"There has to be a political price to pay for the fiscal irresponsibility," said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville.

Democrats said lawmakers had to override the governor's cuts.

"We're in a recession, and we can't turn our backs on people," said Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, D-Evanston.

It was not clear Tuesday evening whether the governor will go along with the legislative effort to block the cuts, which, in addition to threatening parks and historic sites, have forced dozens of nonprofit social service agencies to cut back on services to disabled people and others dealing with mental health problems and drug addiction.

Blagojevich spokesman Brian Williamsen suggested there may be technical problems with the legislation, which could scuttle the legislative bailout.

"Of course we'll be taking a look at the particulars," Williamsen said.

Supporters of parks and historic sites urged lawmakers to back the plan, saying allowing Blagojevich to close the facilities would hurt local economies.

Among the state parks facing closure are Moraine View near LeRoy, Wolf Creek in Shelby County and Weldon Springs near Clinton. Those parks saw more than 1 million visitors combined in 2007 and more than 90,000 campers the previous year.

Historic sites lured more than 2 million visitors. Among those targeted for closure are three sites in Randolph County, Lincoln Log Cabin near Charleston, David Davis Mansion in Bloomington and the Bryant Cottage in Bement.

Initially, Blagojevich wanted them closed Oct. 1, but he since has moved the planned closure date to Nov. 30, saying officials need time to work out details of employee layoffs.

Among Republicans voting against the fund sweeps in Senate Bill 790, were Watson and state Sens. Dan Rutherford of Chenoa and Dale Righter of Mattoon.

Legislation outlining how the money would be spent, Senate Bill 1103, was OK'd unanimously.

Both previously were approved by the House.

Meanwhile, three Republican lawmakers took a jab at Blagojevich, suggesting he simply sell one of the state's airplanes and use the proceeds to keep the parks open.

State Sen. Tim Bivins, R-Dixon, said Blagojevich's use of state airplanes to commute between Springfield and his home in Chicago has angered some of his constituents.

"This governor is so anxious to sell off state assets and close state parks, maybe he should put his plane on eBay," Bivins said, estimating that one of the state's planes could fetch up to $2.5 million.

The lawmakers said the governor could sell a second plane to keep historic sites open.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865