Proposed agriculture cuts prompt angry hearing

SPRINGFIELD -- People are lining up in Springfield to complain about the governor's plans to cut money from agriculture programs.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is threatening to withhold money from research programs, county Extension offices and more.

Critics packed into a legislative hearing Wednesday to criticize the plan, which could mean layoffs and cuts to the 4-H youth program.

The governor's office responded that the state budget is running a $750 million deficit that must be filled. Aides say the cuts will take place unless legislators give the governor power to dip into special funds.

Lawmakers say the governor's tactics amount to "blackmail" so that he can get money to expand health care programs.