SPRINGFIELD - Late last week, the state asked Illinois universities to have a project or two in mind in case the federal government sends money to states in an effort to stimulate the economy.

Congress is meeting this week and leaders have talked about a stimulus package that would pay for building projects instead of sending checks to taxpayers like the plan earlier this year.

If that money eventually comes to Illinois, university leaders have already outlined some needs.

"Everyone has projects ready to go," said Southern Illinois University spokesman Dave Gross.

Both Gross and an ISU spokesman said they received a request from the state for the universities' most-desired projects last week.

But it appears Congress could focus in the coming days on whether or not to send bailout money to the struggling auto industry.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said Monday that it can be helpful if the state identifies its specific needs such as university projects. But spokeswoman Christina Mulka said the Senate might have to put off a new stimulus package until next year because of disagreements.

"It's looking increasingly unlikely it will happen (soon)," Mulka said.

The state budget is facing $4 billion in unpaid bills, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich could be looking to ask Congress for some help.

"Earlier this year we wrote a letter to Congress, the Treasury and the Fed urging them to provide direct financial assistance to states to address the current financial emergency," said Blagojevich spokesman Katie Ridgway. "Due to lower than projected revenues from a poor national economy, this is an action we are considering again."