A whole lot is riding on the budget-cut restoration bill that was finally forwarded to the governor's desk.

It's not just about keeping state parks and historic sites open - although that is certainly important.

The bill also provides revenue sources to reverse severe cuts to mental health providers and social service agencies, including money for treatment of substance abuse.

It's not just about the people facing layoffs because of the governor's cuts - although that is certainly important.

The bill protects people who need services from these agencies.

Without the additional revenue, they may face longer waits for help or receive no help at all. And when the help needed involves mental health or substance abuse issues, a delay can have a significant negative impact.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich should restrain his recent habit of tinkering with bills passed by the Legislature and sign Senate Bills 790 and 1103 as they are, with no amendatory veto language that could delay or thwart their speedy implementation.

The House approved SB 790 on a 97-16 vote. The Senate vote was 40-15.

SB 1103 was approved without a negative vote in either the House or Senate.

The bills, as approved by the House and Senate, provide the specificity taxpayers desire to ensure the money will be spent as intended to restore cuts, maintain services and keep parks and historic sites open.

The governor has until Dec. 6 to sign the bills. But he has already set Nov. 30 as the date for closing about two dozen state parks and historic sites.

His list includes the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, Moraine View State Park near LeRoy and Weldon Springs State Park near Clinton.

Meanwhile, agencies that have attempted to delay layoffs in hopes funding will be restored cannot deal with continued uncertainty. That's especially true in these tough economic times when trying to borrow money can be costly - if a business is able to get a loan at all.

Continue to make your views known. Call the governor's office at (217) 782-0244 or (312) 814-2121. You can also send a message through his Web site: www.illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm.

As the public has pleaded with Blagojevich to keep the parks open and restore funding, the governor has said the Legislature needed to give him the means and money to do so. They have in these two bills.

The governor shouldn't keep everyone in suspense. He should sign the bills - now.