Ill. House returns to tackle budget -- but doesn't

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Action on the state budget will have to wait another day.

The Illinois House convened Tuesday afternoon but adjourned almost immediately.

Democratic leaders are still trying to figure out how to deal with the governor's veto of $1.4 billion. Gov. Rod Blagojeviech said the spending plan that lawmakers had approved was more than $2 billion out of balance. They could hold separate votes on hundreds of cuts or try to lump everything together to save time.

The job is complicated by low turnout among House members. Only 87 of 118 members showed up.

With many people absent, Democrats may need Republican support to reverse any cuts, but it's not clear whether Republicans will cooperate.