By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is stepping up his scrutiny of the state's frequent use of borrowing money to balance the budget.
A spokesman for Madigan said Thursday that the speaker will have a special House hearing within two weeks to review Governor Blagojevich's borrowing plans.
Lawmakers return from a two-week Easter break next week to begin serious work on the budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. They hope to have their work completed by the end of May.
Madigan said this week he is greatly concerned about borrowing the state did last year and the governor has proposed for next year.
The governor said this week he is prepared for a titanic struggle over his budget plan.