SPRINGFIELD - A hearing Thursday on Gov. Rod Blagojevich's proposal to move jobs from Springfield to southern Illinois is perhaps the one chance people in both locales will get to voice their opinions on the matter.

And both have prepared ways to deliver arguments for and against transferring about 100 Illinois Department of Transportation jobs to Harrisburg.

The Saline County Chamber of Commerce plans to send several representatives, and local officials have arranged for buses.

Chamber of Commerce President Kim Glasscock said she'll be attending, but no chamber members plan on speaking before the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, a group of lawmakers holding the hearing.

Glasscock said she understands the difficulty this could cause families in the Springfield area.

But she said if the move has to happen, the area could use the new jobs. Blagojevich has argued for the move, saying southern Illinois could use an economic boost.

"We understand that this is very difficult for several of the residents in Springfield," Glasscock said.

Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin plans to testify at the hearing, and his spokesman said he hopes most of the affected workers, as well as other residents, show up at the state Capitol for the meeting.

"We'd like to see as much support as we can," said spokesman Ernie Slottag.

In addition, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce plans to release a study Thursday that could detail some of the economic damage the move could cause.

The state already has done a similar study that suggests the move will do more good for Harrisburg than it will hurt Springfield. But many have been skeptical of those results, and the chamber study could show something different.

Most earn less than $50,000 a year

The IDOT Division of Traffic Safety workers who would be affected by the move have already spoken out against it. Most make less than $50,000 a year, according to state records.

After the hearing, the commission has less than two months to make a recommendation to Blagojevich. Even if they oppose the transfer, the governor may still go forward, a move that could perhaps draw lawsuits.