SPRINGFIELD | What did House lawmakers hear during the past couple weeks when asking for input on the state's budget? Several themes.

One, some groups just need more money.

Two, the state should pay the people it owes for work.

Three, lawmakers should launch a statewide construction program to fix schools and roads, and therefore create jobs.

"It was 4 1/2 hours of groups that want more money," said state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

Many agree that some of the groups deserve more money, but getting it could be easier said than done.

Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield on Tuesday after a two-week break and have about two months before they're supposed to have a budget finished.

Last year, things didn't get wrapped up until well past the deadline, and House Minority Leader Tom Cross said Friday that the Springfield negotiating atmosphere remains "frosty."

Some say there's a lot of work to do, given that Gov. Rod Blagojevich's budget plans have drawn criticism and were, in some minds, bare-bones to begin with.

"I don't know if the governor ever had a budget, did he?" said state Rep. Pat Verschoore, D-Milan.

A governor's spokeswoman didn't return a request for comment.

But Blagojevich's efforts to make a construction plan happen and send economic stimulus checks to parents cost money.

State Rep. George Scully, D-Flossmoor, said it could be a rough year for anyone looking for new money as lawmakers focus on paying outstanding bills and getting a construction plan off the ground.

"I think this would be a bad year to bring up new topics," he said.

-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.

-- Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or (217) 789-0865.