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SPRINGFIELD -- House Minority Leader Tom Cross voiced support Wednesday for a multibillion-dollar state construction program but criticized the Senate blueprint to pay for the building spree with three new casinos. Gov. Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) view Cross as integral to politically isolating House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and pressuring him for a House vote on a $25.4 billion plan for road, bridge and school construction. The deal that passed the Senate on Tuesday also contained a one-time $200 million payment for cash-strapped mass transit but offered no recurring funds to stave off possible fare hikes and service cuts after next summer. While Cross said he favors a capital plan, the Oswego Republican said he doesn't support the Senate approach of adding three new casinos.
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