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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Governor Rod Blagojevich is adding a new twist to the long, fruitless process of passing a new state budget.

Defying legislators, the Democratic governor says he'll slash $500 million from the budget approved by the General Assembly and increase spending for several health care programs he favors.

But House Speaker Michael Madigan Wednesday called that plan "contrary to the Constitution."

Madigan contends the governor can use his veto powers to cut spending, but it would be unconstitutional for him to increase spending in areas where the legislature had designated less.

Madigan adds that he hasn't decided what, if any, action should be taken to block the governor.

The cuts Blagojevich wants to make would have to go back to the Legislature to be accepted or overridden.

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