SPRINGFIELD - Although Gov. Rod Blagojevich has announced plans to cut $1.5 billion out of a budget nearly $2 billion out of whack, some lawmakers are calling what they say is his bluff. | Passenger train group criticizes Amtrak cuts | Governor's flip-flop on Pontiac prison draws skepticism

Blagojevich's history of making claims then falling short of fulfilling them makes it hard for state Sen. Dale Righter to believe the governor will make the cuts.

"I don't think he's capable of that," said Righter, R-Mattoon. "He's had six years to demonstrate he can be prudent with state money. Unfortunately, what he has done is demonstrate an eagerness to cut the budget in smaller areas that are particularly sensitive to downstate Illinois."

Although the governor plans to halt new spending on soil and water conservation districts, University of Illinois' Cooperative Extension Service and other predominantly downstate agriculture programs, Blagojevich also says he'll cut $40.4 million in foster parent and children's services if new state revenue to balance the budget isn't approved.

"Foster parents wouldn't get a rate increase even though prices are increasing everywhere. They deserve to have a rate increase," Blagojevich budget spokeswoman Kelley Quinn said.

While Department of Children and Family Services spokesman Kendall Marlow agrees, he said spending the money now will save the state more than $40 million in long-term care.

"I think that child welfare is a field where some money spent wisely now can save a state a great number of expenses further down the line," Marlow said. "(Blagojevich) is very aware of it, which is why they're calling for the House to come back."

To prevent these spending shortfalls, the governor has asked House Speaker Michael Madigan to bring lawmakers back to Springfield to approve six revenue initiatives totaling about $2 billion.

Lawmakers don't see the governor's proposed cuts as a viable way of forcing Madigan's hand.

"He goes after these popular programs to strike fear into people," said state Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Milan. "He's blaming the House, but we passed a barebones budget and there were even some modest increases in the barebones one."

Quinn said the governor is not using scare tactics or making empty threats.

"This deficit is very real," she said. "The governor does not want to make these reductions, but last year tough vetoes were made, and he would make them again if necessary."

The state continued to operate through the current fiscal year, which will end June 30, with a $750 million budget hole.

"Cuts will have to be made if the House does not call these revenue bills, and these are reductions that would have an extremely profound impact on people across the state," Quinn said.

Righter believes the governor ultimately will make some cuts, but those cuts will be far from the $1.5 billion Blagojevich outlined Tuesday.

"I think the governor ultimately relents, makes some symbolic cuts and that's what the state limps along with through the election," Righter said.