The Illinois House voted to restore almost $500 million in cuts that Governor Blagojevich made to the budget earlier this month, although it remains to be seen if that money will make it into the budget. That’s because the State Senate still has to vote to approve the funds – and Senate President Emil Jones, a Blagojevich ally, says Illinois can’t afford it right now. "Overriding the cuts is being totally irresponsible," said Jones. "Without any money to spend, what are you going to do?" Many legislators believe that Blago cut the funds, which would fund hospitals, drug counseling and other social services, to retaliate against his political opponents. "The governor simply went too far. The governor had other options available, but he simply decided to balance the budget ... by taking it out on the workers of the state of Illinois," said Rep. Gary Hannig, on of the key budget negotiators. more ›