SPRINGFIELD - Facing a deteriorating budget picture, Gov. Rod Blagojevich abandoned plans to throw out the first pitch at the opening of a new baseball stadium in Southern Illinois Tuesday.

Instead, the governor spent several hours meeting with legislative leaders in hopes of salvaging some part of his embattled budget proposal.

Along with sitting down with Senate President Emil Jones and House Speaker Michael Madigan in his Statehouse office, the governor made a surprise visit to the speaker's office later in the afternoon.

Neither side reported any significant progress.

As he exited the Capitol on Tuesday evening, the governor said, "My only regret today is that I didn't get a chance to go down to Marion and be there for the first pitch for the new single-A baseball team."

Asked about budget issues, Blagojevich said, "I wish I could have gone to Marion."

The visit to Madigan's office came less than an hour after the speaker hinted that he could be preparing to move a pared-down budget plan through the House as the clock ticks down on the legislative session.

"We're well-prepared to move forward," Madigan told reporters.

Democrats are working against a midnight Thursday deadline to craft a budget. Before midnight, legislation requires a simple majority, allowing Democrats to pass a budget without including Republicans in the negotiations.

After May 31, however, the budget bill requires a three-fifths majority, meaning some Republican votes will be needed in the House.

At issue among Democrats is disagreement over how to pay for Blagojevich's plan to massively expand state spending on health care and schools.

With Blagojevich's proposed business tax going nowhere, he has joined Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, in pressing for the addition of four new casinos in the Chicago area to pay for the spending hikes.

"It's a work in progress and we've got to find revenue." Jones said.

But the gambling plan and Blagojevich's business tax proposal have not gained traction in the House. Madigan says a less expansive gambling expansion plan - one that does not include the addition of any new casinos - is more likely to find support in his chamber.

Madigan said lawmakers may support the elimination of some corporate tax breaks, which also could generate new funds for schools and a statewide construction plan.

"I'm still very hopeful that we can finalize our work on Thursday," said Madigan.

Republicans, meanwhile, are waiting for their opportunity to weigh in.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, said a limited growth budget could get the state through another year, while still providing an increase in school funding.

He said it is particularly tough for lawmakers to vote in favor of any tax hikes at a time when consumers are facing higher electricity prices, higher gas prices and rising home interest rates.

"It's not a time to raise taxes. We need to live within our means," said Cross.

Senate Republicans also are opposed to a massive expansion of gambling.

"I absolutely and unequivocally cannot support a plan that would create four new casinos in Illinois," said state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa. "If we continue this trend, Illinois could become the Las Vegas of the Midwest."