SPRINGFIELD - A key player in the state's legislative logjam is calling for a compromise that paves the way for a bailout of Chicago-area mass transit systems.

But some downstate lawmakers say they won't vote for the bailout unless it comes as part of a package that includes a long-sought statewide construction program.

"If we don't get a capital construction bill, I'm not voting on any kind of mass transit bill, no matter what it says," said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton. "I think most of the downstate people are the same way. We need a capital bill down home."

On Monday, House Speaker Michael Madigan retreated from his earlier stance that a bailout of the train and bus systems be financed by a Chicago-area regional sales tax.

In a letter to members of the General Assembly, Madigan said he now backs a proposal to redirect about $385 million from the state's sales tax on gasoline to help the transit systems.

His letter makes no mention of a statewide construction program, but Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said the speaker remains committed to finding a solution.

Rank-and-file lawmakers remain skeptical.

"If we do something for Chicago, I want to make sure downstate isn't forgotten," said state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has called lawmakers into a special session Wednesday to deal with mass transit funding. It marks the 17th time this year the governor has used his power to call the General Assembly back to town.

Along with the lack of a construction plan, lawmakers have other concerns about using gas tax proceeds for Chicago-area transit.

State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said diverting money from the state's general checking account could trigger a "massive meltdown" of the state budget.

Mautino said the loss of that money for other state programs, combined with the governor's plan to expand health insurance programs without legislative approval, could set up the state to have a serious shortfall of cash beginning in April.

"I think its going to be a very long summer," Mautino said.

Blagojevich, who also supports using gas tax proceeds for mass transit, has said the hole in the budget could be plugged by abolishing some corporate tax breaks. But, earlier attempts to recoup money by closing those loopholes have gone nowhere.

Patty Schuh, spokeswoman for Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, said the proposal Madigan now supports is flawed.

"It's not a plan. It's a mirage," said Schuh. "All of this is just more political drama."

Not all downstate lawmakers were dismissive.

"I'm willing to look at this," state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, said. "I want to see all of the marbles on the table before I make a decision."