CHICAGO (WBBM) - A scathing assessment today of Governor Blagojevich's spending plans.

WBBM's Regine Schlesinger reports the Civic Federation says there's not enough revenue to do what the Governor wants.

The Civic Federation's 62-page review of the governor's nearly $50 billion budget concludes the state simply can't afford his proposed $2 billion in new and expanded initiatives including a $300 per child tax credit and expanding state health insurance programs.

The Federation also remains concerned about unfunded state pension obligations.

The group's president, Laurence Msall, says the governor's plan fails to recognize the state's $750 million budget deficit and the economic downturn that will likely depress revenue.

It looks as though this year, like last, could bring another prolonged and agonizing budget battle in Springfield.

The Civic Federation describes itself as a non-partisan government research organization working to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services in the Chicago region.

On the Net: www.civicfed.org
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