Once again it appears that our legislative leaders feel there is no need for rules or limitations to apply to them.

Although the "reform" bill approved by the Legislature late last week is an improvement over a bill vetoed by Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this year, it has an unacceptable flaw: It limits campaign contributions from just about everyone except legislative leaders.

These political party and legislative caucus committees would be limited in how much they could contribute in primary elections. But there would be no limits in the general election.

Reform groups - and Pantagraph editorials - have repeatedly stated that limiting contributions from others while not limiting contributions from legislative leaders will give those leaders even more power over members of their party, lessening the chances of lawmakers "breaking ranks."

Now reformers, such as the Change Illinois coalition, say this is the best Illinoisans can get. They support its passage - calling it a foundation on which to build further reforms - rather than risking the entire effort failing.

But, if we can't pass meaningful reform now, with one ex-governor in prison and another ex-governor awaiting trial, when will we?

There are good features in Senate Bill 1466.

Unlike the earlier bill, this one would require the State Board of Elections to conduct random audits of political committee and targeted audits when there is reason to believe a violation might have occurred.

It also places stricter limits on contributions by political action committees ($90,000 limit per year under prior bill; $50,000 limit per election cycle under new bill). Individuals would be limited to $5,000 to any candidate committee in an election period. The limits on businesses, unions and associations would be $10,000 each election to candidate committees.

Having limits on contributions to candidates per election cycle, rather than per year, better evens the playing field for challengers, who are unlikely to start seeking contributions until closer to the election.

The bill also strengthens reporting/disclosure requirements.

These are all good features that would move Illinois away from pay-to-play politics and big money influence in elections. But without limits on legislative leaders in all elections, Illinois voters are still left to wonder who their representatives are beholden to and still trapped in a state where the leaders of the majority party call most of the shots.

An outcry from the public against House Bill 7 led Quinn and Democratic leaders to go back to the drawing board. That outcry should continue.

Tell Quinn to show leadership and use his amendatory veto to limit contributions of political party and legislative caucus committees.

Let them hear youContact information is available at www.pantagraph.com/public officials.