SPRINGFIELD - Against the backdrop of the national economic crisis, Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Tuesday he wants more power to use his budget ax in order to chop away at a growing budget deficit. | Colleges asked for wish lists if feds give state money

The governor offered no specific programs that are on the chopping block, but noted his moves could affect public schools and universities, state pension funds and grants to local governments.

"While I am dedicated to ending the year with a budget that works, I know I cannot do this alone. I am asking for support from state legislators and constitutional officers to help manage this budget in a way that continues to provide the services and programs that Illinois families need," Blagojevich noted.

The governor has the authority to cut spending in departments he directly controls. Already this year, Blagojevich has taken heat for cutting funding to social service providers, state parks and historic sites.

Now he is seeking broader authority to spread the effects of the cuts across the entire state budget. He wants lawmakers to give him the power to slash up to 8 percent of the budgets of a variety of state agencies and programs.

$2.2 billion in new cuts possible

That could amount to another $2.2 billion in potentially painful cuts.

"Illinois' finances, like many other states across the nation, have felt consequences of the poor national economy. And like a family who has seen their income cut dramatically, we need to take fiscally responsible action to ensure the state can pay all of our bills and provide the core services that Illinoisans need," Blagojevich said.

State Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, a key Senate budget negotiator, said the plan will give the governor options if the sluggish economy continues to drive down state revenues.

"We're in a state of emergency," Trotter said. "The way things are going, it could get worse."

Some lawmakers, who return to action Wednesday for the final three days of the fall veto session, were skeptical of the governor's proposal.

State Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, said the governor has often attempted to expand programs such as health insurance without legislative input and without a clear stream of revenue to pay for it.

"It just seems as though this is way too late. It is something we should all be wary of," Flider said.

In addition to making more cuts, the governor also wants to take out a short-term loan to pay off a backlog of bills that could hit $6 billion by March. And, he sent a letter to congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., asking for $3 billion in federal tax dollars to help stimulate the Illinois economy.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate have openly sparred with the governor over his management of the budget. Last week, Democrats in the Senate said the state may need to look at some kind of tax increase to make ends meet in the coming months.

Launching new programs

Flider urged the governor to support House Bill 5898, which would bar the governor from launching new programs before certain state bills were paid. The measure is pending in the Senate.

"Obviously we have a huge problem," Flider said. "But he's acted like money grows on trees. He needs to be serious about the budget."