After months of turmoil over layoffs, social service cuts, and the closure of state parks, historic sites, and a prison, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has indicated that -- when he ultimately takes over as governor -- he’s prepared to resolve some of the legislative disputes left lingering in Rod Blagojevich’s wake. The AP reports: 

On Thursday, Quinn said he was willing to listen to people’s concerns, and, in at least one case, promised he’d undo the work of the governor, reopening state parks and historic sites closed last month in budget cuts.

“Any of those decisions, somewhat controversial, I think ought to be reviewed,” he told reporters. “Our state parks,” he added, “are precious. They should be reopened promptly.”

Amid the current chaos, it’s too soon to tell what exactly is in line for a comeback. But there may be a glimmer of hope for those state workers who lost their jobs when the governor refused to fully support a fund sweeps bill last month.

If the $55 million already approved by the General Assembly was restored, child welfare workers and others could be headed back to the communities that need them. Money could also be restored to Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office, to reverse a hiring freeze that’s left essential positions vacant, such as the public access counselor.

Of course, sorting through the governor’s cuts isn’t an enviable task (after all, it's coupled with the need to find viable revenue sources). Nor will it be the only project on Quinn's plate; the controversial ongoing Pontiac prison closure, a plan to yank a Department of Transportation office from Springfield, a gaming give-away, and questions over FamilyCare expansion all need to be resolved as well.

Furthermore, Quinn will have to decide if he’ll approve legislation that’s piling up on the governor’s desk, including the "clean-coal"/renewable energy bill, juvenile justice reform legislation, and a measure expanding pyschiatric care -- all of which are supposed to go into effect by year’s end.