* On Wednesday, the governor told me during an interview that if state Sen. James Meeks wanted property tax relief included in his education proposal, then he would make it happen. Meeks had told me earlier that if he couldn’t get property tax relief included then he would seriously consider attempting to block the governor’s gross receipts tax plan. Here are some Blagojevich quotes that I provided to subscribers…

“Absolutely. That is the type of constructive input that we are looking for.” […]

“We discussed whether we should maybe be a little less ambitious with the school funding and provide property tax relief. We netted out on more for school that would naturally relief the pressure on local governments. But if Rev. Meeks and others are interested in putting a property tax relief component in there, count me in.”

* Blagojevich refined the idea a bit more when talking to the Tribune’s editorial board yesterday…

Blagojevich told the Tribune’s editorial board that he was “very interested in trying to develop” a more targeted property-tax relief plan that would help poor districts that can’t raise enough local money for their schools.

* The governor hasn’t spoken to reporters in months, and several scribes made their displeasure known during a media availability in Chicago…

“Oh, come on, give me a break. For four years, I’ve been talking to you guys every single day,” Blagojevich said […]

A Chicago reporter continued to press Blagojevich on why he has not taken a question for such a long time in his home base. Blagojevich cited the media’s interest in the presidential bid of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and the re-election of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. […]

The governor’s remarks underscored his strained relationship with the media. Many believe Blagojevich is trying to avoid questions about federal investigations of his administration, but several policy issues also have taken center stage since the governor cut off access. Chief among them may be the soaring electric bills some have received since a decade-old rate freeze expired in January.

* My intern Paul put together this roundup of budget stories…

* Governor ready to fight for education spending plan

* Veterans not ignored in Governor’s budget

* More questions on state budget plan

But as Blagojevich stirred support in Chicago, questions mounted at the Capitol. Key business groups representing oil companies, homebuilders and farmers all said the governor’s new tax would drive up their costs and consumers would pay more.

* Will your wallet suffer under the gross receipts tax?

* Governor expecting funds fight

* Blagojevich tries to sell state on budget plans:

The governor was once again portraying business owners as selfish tax dodgers Thursday. But, as CBS 2 learned, that’s not always the case, especially when dealing with small businesses. […]

[Chicago] schools would get about $2 billion more over the next four years.

* Blagojevich’s new budget plan become dinner topic

* Governor’s budget includes project for Metro East

* Governor set to campaign for tax plan

* Editorial: Governor’s rhetoric getting in the way

* Sun-Times Editorial: Governor pens promising budget, but will legislature sign on?

* Editorial: Against gaming expansion, little upside in taxing losers

* NEW Kadner: Voliva’s mythic battle for school funding

* NEW Blagojevich Budget gets mixed reviews

* NEW Budget breakdown for state agencies