House panel OKs amendment giving free rides to seniors

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to give seniors free rides on public transit cleared an Illinois House committee today but still hangs in the balance when lawmakers return to Springfield Thursday.

Hundreds waited in line to speak at a Mass Transit Committee hearing in Chicago, many imploring lawmakers to avert a doomsday scenario Sunday.

That's the date the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace are set to implement cuts and fare hikes unless they receive an influx of new revenues. The General Assembly approved a controversial sales tax increase last week that will provide a windfall for the CTA, Metra and Pace, but Blagojevich amended it with the free-rides provision.

The next step is for the House and Senate to vote on Blagojevich's provisions.

Chicago resident Patricia Mackelroth, who suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome, said service cuts would be devastating to those with health problems.

"Without this system, we're lost," she said. "There are hundreds of people who are a thread away from being homeless."

State Rep. Julie Hamos, an Evanston Democrat who sponsored the transit bailout plan, said the 15-6 vote was a "strong" signal to the General Assembly, but she acknowledged getting approval could be difficult since numerous legislators object to Blagojevich's actions.

"I've been very fearful we don't have the votes in place," she said.

One new idea that emerged from the meeting was to limit the free rides to seniors and disabled individuals with low incomes. Such a policy would need another vote in the General Assembly, but it could be introduced as a "trailer bill" Thursday if the governor's proposal passes.

Schaumburg Democrat Rep. Paul Froehlich said he would need more information before voting on the new plan.

"I want to make sure it doesn't cost the state more than it saves," he said.