By Todd Hatton
Springfield, IL – The Illinois Legislature's budgeting arm says the state has the money to restore budget cuts and Governor Rod Blagojevich should use it.
The Legislature voted to move $220 million from special state accounts to spare 323 layoffs and the closing of two dozen state attractions. The layoffs start October 31st.
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability says state revenue projections are holding. Dan Long is on the legislative panel and says the money is there for the restorations.
A Blagojevich aide says the governor won't restore state budget cuts until he's sure the spending plan can withstand a battering from a shrinking national economy.
Senate Democratic budget negotiator Donne Trotter says Blagojevich's action is "prudent" because "things don't look bright."