SPRINGFIELD | The governor and three of the state's four legislative leaders said a proposed statewide construction program needs more work.

In a press conference Wednesday, Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the trio of top lawmakers said they support the concept of a $31 billion public works plan.

But, they acknowledged there are issues that still must be tackled if the plan is going to become reality in the closing days of the spring legislative session.

"We're not quite where we want to be yet," Blagojevich said. "We have more work to do."

Blagojevich was flanked at a press conference Wednesday by Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago; Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville; and House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego.

They hailed the construction plan that Southern Illinois University President Glenn Poshard and former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert floated last week.

That plan relies on leasing the state lottery and expanding gambling to finance $31 billion in road, bridge and school construction projects.

Poshard said the plan would create jobs and secure Illinois' position as a transportation hub for the nation.

"I am absolutely convinced that this state cannot wait a single day longer for a capital construction bill," Poshard said.

Noticeably absent from the press event was House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago.

Like his colleagues, Madigan said he supports the concept of a statewide construction plan. But, he said details of the proposal still need to be reviewed.

"I'm for a capital bill," Madigan said.

Among the sticking points that could derail or delay passage include questions about leasing the state lottery. Watson said Senate Republicans need assurances that the plan won't blow a $600 million hole in the state budget. Top Madigan lieutenants also have raised questions about the lottery lease.

Among those also accompanying Poshard and the governor Wednesday were top labor leaders, including Michael Carrigan, president of the AFL-CIO, and John Penn, a top Laborers Union official.

"It's time to stop the talk and move toward action," Carrigan said.

Blagojevich said he remains hopeful a plan can be hammered out before lawmakers are scheduled to approve a state operations budget and adjourn for the summer Saturday.

"I'm hopeful we'll get everything done by Saturday," Blagojevich said. "Democracy is sometimes a messy process."

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.