* Finally, at long last, Rod Blagojevich’s free rides for seniors plan is getting a much-needed overhaul…

The new [income] limit would require a senior living alone to make no more than $41,000 a year. Seniors living together would be limited to $54,000, and three seniors could make no more than $57,000.

State Sen. Ricky Hendon, D-Chicago, said the limits are reasonable. Though he said the real test will be how the Chicago Transit Authority and Regional Transportation Authority will handle the new limits, and new pool of money.

“Let’s see what they do with the money. I don’t trust them…They just want to take the money and run. We want to make sure with the sunset at least we can see if they keep their word.”

The limits on free rides would expire in two years. Chicago’s mass transit officials say they need at least that long to recover from the cost of the free rides program first started under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the House, where it will likely zoom through. The free rides program for seniors regardless of income has stuck in the craw of many, so this change will help calm some well-deserved rage.

* AT&T’s deregulation bill passed the House unanimously yesterday…

Under the measure, SB 107, broadband and Internet-based phone providers would be guaranteed for the life of the law that those services would remain unregulated. Internet-based phone services would be required to register with the Illinois Commerce Commission but would only have to provide very basic information. That information would allow the state to map where Illinois does and does not have adequate broadband adoption.

Regulations on landline service providers would also be loosened. Instead of requiring repair of landline service within 24 hours, the measure would allow a 30-hour window. The threat of a $30 million fine for companies such as AT&T for failing to meet service quality standards would also disappear if the bill became law.

They would, however, still be subject to fines of up to $200,000 for each offense. Other service quality standards would include installing service to customers within five business days and keeping appointments with customers. Failing to meet those standards would result in consumer credits.

The measure would also fix costs for three levels of basic phone service for the next three years.

Proponents say loosening regulations and providing regulatory certainty will encourage telecommunications companies to invest in broadband in Illinois, which in turn would bring more jobs in other sectors to the state.

The consumer advocacy group The Citizens Utility Board says the bill contains no provisions requiring telecommunications companies to invest in broadband throughout the entire state, including rural and low-income areas, nor does it guarantee jobs.

This is either a great bill or a disaster. Nobody knows for sure what AT&T will do, but there’s no guarantee of more jobs or better and wider broadband service. It’s a “trust us” thing, and those have a habit of backfiring.

* ComEd backed off yesterday…

A day after offering to help the financially strapped state with a $500 million payment in exchange for a rate hike, ComEd late Wednesday changed its mind.

The state-regulated utility pulled its offer after concerns were raised about consumer protection and how the deal would be construed.

“In last few days … it has become clear that there is not enough support in Springfield to continue pursuing this course,” ComEd said in a statement. “We acknowledge and respect the concerns many public officials have and will move on.”

Not a smart move on their part.

* As we told you last night, the Chicago school voucher bill was put on Postponed Consideration after receiving just 48 votes. It could come back again, since there was a lot of vote-switching and late “No” votes yesterday…

However, sponsoring Rep. Kevin Joyce, told the Sun-Times that he probably won’t bring it back until November…

Joyce kept the voucher plan alive through a parliamentary maneuver, but it won’t resurface during the remaining two scheduled days of the Legislature’s spring session. Instead, Joyce said he may try to revive it after the fall elections.

We didn’t post this last night, but Rep. Joyce delivered one of the strongest closing speeches I’ve seen in 20 years. Watch it…

Rep. Lou Lang, an opponent of the bill, defended his side against charges that they are in the back pockets of the teachers’ unions…

* I’m told that this bill may come up for another vote today…

A move to redefine green energy in Illinois died a quick death this week in Springfield, and we’re thankful that lawmakers’ frenzied push for job creation did not trump common sense.

Legislators were correct to keep power created by incinerating rubber tires in a separate and less-desirable category than wind and solar power. Harnessing the elements to produce electricity differs greatly from burning tires for power, and we’re thankful it only took two days for Springfield lawmakers to figure that out.

* The “Worst Bill Ever” was scheduled for a hearing last night, but didn’t move. Its sponsors are hoping to get the STAR bonds bill back on track today…

Legislation designed to make possible a major development project in Marion has been filed and awaits action in the House.

State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, has filed an amendment to Senate Bill 2093 to authorize Sales Tax and Revenue bonds for the project as an incentive to bring major destination development businesses into the area. The project was announced Saturday, just one day after a similar deal proposed by project developer Holland Construction of Swansea was killed over arguments and disagreements in its establishment.

State Rep. John Bradley is backing the legislation in the House.

Rep. Bradley ably defended his bill yesterday when pressed by three reporters. Watch it…

While he made some excellent points about the impact on his region, I still say this thing will become an uncontrollable monster in the coming years as more and more communities attempt to fund massive projects with state sales tax revenues.

* Related and a roundup…

* Illinois House Could Vote on Medical Marijuana This Week

* Ill. video poker expansion could be extended to 24-hour truck stops

* Arlington Park vision’s missing ingredient: The proposal cooling its heels in Springfield would authorize up to 1,200 slot machines at Arlington Park and other tracks, generating, supporters say, millions for the cash-starved state. But it has a fatal flaw. It overrides home-rule authority and forces on communities something that, let’s be candid, falls just short of a vast land-based casino, especially since Arnold refused to rule out the possibility of seeking other forms of gambling in the future.

* Dear lawmakers: Do the right thing for our region: Legislation must be approved creating sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds for the development of a tourism destination on a 400-acre site bordering Interstate 57 and north of Illinois 13 in Marion. The development plan from Bruce Holland, of Swansea, is projected to include a major retailing destination and entertainment venues, potentially including a sprawling resort and water park complex.

* Senate votes to scale back free rides for seniors

* School vouchers rejected despite suburban support

* Illinois House rejects vouchers

* Chicago school vouchers shot down by Illinois House

* Illinois School Voucher Bill Defeated

* Madigan’s ‘constituents’

* Mikva places blame for clout at UI’s feet, not legislators’