SPRINGFIELD - Springfield officials filed a lawsuit Monday aimed at blocking Gov. Rod Blagojevich from moving state jobs out of Springfield.

The lawsuit comes just days before a public hearing about the governor's controversial plan to also close Pontiac Correctional Center. A hearing before lawmakers on that plan is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at Pontiac Township High School.

In Springfield's case, the lawsuit over the proposed move of 140 Department of Transportation jobs to Harrisburg comes after weeks of dueling public statements, hours of hearings and a vote from lawmakers that the transfer shouldn't happen.

"I'm just sorry that we had to go to court," said state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.

The lawsuit argues that the jobs transfer shouldn't happen because Attorney General Lisa Madigan hasn't signed off.

The governor's office hasn't yet taken the steps needed for Madigan to approve. But it plans to next month.

"It is our intention to move forward with the relocation of the Division of Traffic Safety to Harrisburg, after Sept 11," Blagojevich spokesman Brian Williamsen said. "We are confident the law is on our side in this matter."

The two unions representing the affected workers and the Greater Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce are paying the legal fees involved with the lawsuit. The first hearing likely will come next week. A judge has to approve the lawsuit before it can move on.

"There was absolutely no rational basis for moving jobs from Springfield," said Jeff Bigelow, a regional director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Last week, a panel of lawmakers recommended Blagojevich not transfer jobs to Harrisburg. But that opinion was advisory, and the governor plans to move on.

Last Wednesday, the same committee is taking up Blagojevich's plans with Pontiac prison. It's unclear if the governor will treat the panel's advice in the same manner with the prison.