SPRINGFIELD - Lawmakers plan to return to Springfield on Tuesday for what's scheduled to be their final month of consistent work before election season.

At the beginning of the year, Republicans and Democrats alike talked highly of spending $25 billion to fix roads, bridges and schools, as well as put thousands to work.

But as April comes to an end and lawmakers are scheduled to have a state budget done by the end of May, some have seen that optimism diminish.

"I don't feel as good now as when I first came in," state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, said of the prospects of such a plan.

State Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan, said he was optimistic in January about the chances to get construction money. But the past several months have brought more infighting among Democrats, who have the most power to shape such a plan.

"Well, here we are," he said.

The situation mirrors last year, when lawmakers and Gov. Rod Blagojevich missed their budget deadline mark by months, leaving the day-to-day operation of state services such as police, parks and prisons in question.

A construction plan is a separate matter from the state's yearly budget.

If they banded together, Democrats in the House and Senate would have enough votes to approve a yearly budget without any Republican support.

But after May 31, rules change, and spending plans need more votes, so Republicans would have a say.

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, said he'd prefer things were done on time. "Because you know it's not going to be pleasant," he said.

Forby said that while he doesn't like how the state's billions of dollars are being handled lately, last-minute decisions aren't uncommon around the Capitol.

"Nobody ever does anything until May," Forby said. "They always try to do it in the last two or three weeks."

But even before a new spending plan can be worked out for next year, some are focusing on whether the state has enough money to even finish this fiscal year, which closes at the end of June.

A gap in the budget means Blagojevich has vowed to cut off cash to some agriculture and other programs until lawmakers find him more funds.

Some lawmakers are particularly concerned about cuts to agricultural programs such as the University of Illinois Extension and 4-H this year, making it tough for Extension employees to plan.

"So, some would say, why worry about next year?" said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.