SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday again used his executive power to spend millions on stem cell research despite repeated objections from state legislators, some of whom thought they had blocked such funding.

The governor announced he is devoting $5 million to the research, using money put in the state budget to pay administrative expenses at the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Blagojevich aides acknowledged the move was a response to President Bush's veto Wednesday of legislation that would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

A year ago, Blagojevich used an executive order to spend $10 million for stem cell research, a move that caught many state lawmakers off guard. They already had voted against endorsing the research, and Blagojevich never had said anything about his plan to fund research.

This spring, Blagojevich proposed giving $100 million to stem cell research over five years, but the idea had little support and was dropped.

Blagojevich says he won't let a lack of legislative support keep him from spending tax money on what he considers a vital need.

"It would be wrong to ask sick and injured people and their loved ones to wait for the tides in Springfield and Washington to change before research into potentially lifesaving cures can move forward,'' the Democratic governor said in a statement. "Investing in research that can save lives and prevent serious illnesses is more than a sound public health strategy, it's our moral obligation.''

The announcement drew an immediate backlash from legislators of both political parties.

"Any time this happens, it's not good for the process when you circumvent the legislative body and the voice of the people,'' said Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion.

Patty Schuh, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, said Blagojevich is "showing his disdain for the people of Illinois.''

Stem cell research has become a hot issue across the country as it divides people along ideological, rather than political, boundaries.

Supporters and scientists say the study of stem cells, which can divide and become any kind of cell in the body, could lead to cures for diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's. Opponents of embryonic stem cell research believe it is immoral because it destroys an embryo, which they consider human life.

Some lawmakers said they thought they had squashed the possibility of Blagojevich supporting stem cell research when they approved the budget in early May.

Blagojevich had set aside last year's $10 million for stem cell grants in a lump sum tucked in the Department of Public Health's budget. Some legislators said they scoured this year's budget for similar sums and urged the administration not to hide anything.

"We thought we had an understanding that there would be no stem cell money within this budget,'' said Rep. Gary Hannig, a Litchfield Democrat and top budget negotiator. "We didn't want the stem cell research issue to become part of the budget debate.''

Blagojevich aides insisted Thursday they did not intend to use the money when the budget was approved but felt there was no choice after Bush's veto.

"The governor feels strongly about stem cell research. He believes it needs to move forward, and he's always aggressive in pursuing what he thinks is right,'' Deputy Gov. Bradley Tusk said.

Stem cell supporters praised Blagojevich's decision, saying it will help researchers attract private money and ease the pain of Bush's veto.

"Gov. Blagojevich is simply using the same tools of his executive office (as Bush) to achieve a more positive impact,'' said Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, D-Evanston.

Critics said the governor is merely trying to score political points.

"There's a sense this is just another a political opportunity for him,'' said Peter LaBarbera, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute. "It's a serious, serious moral issue and it doesn't deserve to be decided by a political opportunist governor.''

Blagojevich's Republican opponent for governor, Judy Baar Topinka, said she supports public funding of stem cell research but that it should be decided in the budget process.