By Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, Ill – Illinois governor rod Blagojevich says he may veto legislation that is designed to bring more money to the state's hospitals.
The legislation increases taxes on hospitals, with that money generating more federal matching money.
In the end, hospitals would get more money than they pay in taxes. However, the governor says some of the money would go to nursing homes and adds he does not like the fact that about $70 million is not earmarked for any program.
"Unless and until I can be assured where that money specifically will go, I'm not going to sign the bill," Blagojevich said. "I would rather go back to the drawing board and continue this effort in a more pristine, pure way. The hospitals do their issue; the nursing homes come together and do theirs."
However, the Illinois Hospital Association says this is the best time to act because federal matching funds have been increased temporarily.