By Associated Press/Illinois Public Radio

Springfield, IL – Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has approved most of a new state budget, 23 days after the old budget expired, but he vetoed $463 million in spending.

In a release, Blagojevich says he is "removing almost $500 million in special pet projects and other spending that we simply can't afford." Those cuts go back to the General Assembly for lawmakers to consider, but Senate President Emil Jones has promised to block any effort to overturn the vetoes.

The rest of the budget becomes law, ending months of gridlock that had delayed some state checks and threatened to hamper government services if it continued.

The Democratic governor renewed his promise to add government health programs that legislators had refused to support. He plans about $500 million in new or expanded services despite questions about whether he has the money or the legal authority.

Funding for the following agencies was cut by the Governor today(Thursday):

-$20,000 for the city of Alton's fence for Gordon Moore Park

-$20,000 for the village of Godfrey for a park village

-$50,000 for the Worden Fire Protection for a new fire rescue truck

-$85,000 for the Belthalto for a communications system

-$60,000 for the Nameoki Township for pumps

-$25,000 for the United Way of Greater St. Louis

-$80,000 for the East St Louis Leadership Academy

-$100,000 for the Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts

-$100,000 for the Centralia water and sewer system

-$50,000 for the East St. Louis Township Summer Youth program

-$60,000 for the East Alton Road Resurfacing

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