By Associated Press
Springfield, IL – THE HOUSE HAS FIXED LEGISLATION THAT PROMPTED GOVERNOR ROD BLAGOJEVICH TO HALT ONGOING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS EARLIER THIS WEEK.
THE BILL AUTHORIZES THE GOVERNOR TO CONTINUE PAYING CONTRACTORS ON $30 MILLION IN PROJECTS THAT ARE UNDER WAY. IT ALSO ADDED $25 MILLION FOR ``EMERGENCIES'' - INCLUDING THIS WEEK'S FAILURE OF THE
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT THE EXECUTIVE MANSION.
IN ALL, 39 PROJECTS WERE HALTED, INCLUDING A $160,000 EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR OF LINCOLN'S HISTORIC FORMER LAW OFFICE IN SPRINGFIELD AND A $5.5 MILLION HEATING AND COOLING UPGRADE FOR THE MICHAEL BILANDIC STATE OFFICE BUILDING IN CHICAGO.
THE LEGISLATION STILL NEEDS SENATE APPROVAL.