FREEPORT – State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is voicing his firm opposition to the proposed Illinois Tollway rate increase, which would affect tollways in Winnebago County, arguing that the state must do a better job of balancing infrastructure investments with the financial burden placed on taxpayers.
“We all recognize the need to invest in our infrastructure, but Illinois families can’t keep being asked to pay more while getting the same product,” Senator Chesney said. “We already have one of the highest tax burdens in the nation. There has to be a better balance between maintaining our roads and respecting taxpayers.”
The proposal would be the largest tollway rate increase in Illinois history, increasing passenger vehicle tolls by 45 cents per toll and commercial vehicle tolls by 30% beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Beginning in 2029, toll rates would automatically adjust every two years based on inflation.
“It’s certainly been some time, but people still remember being told tolls would go away once these roads were paid for. They just never do,” Senator Chesney said. “Instead, they’ve become a permanent tax on hardworking Illinois families, and that’s not what taxpayers were promised.”
To gather feedback from the community, Senator Chesney is encouraging residents to complete his online survey on the proposed tollway rate increase. The survey is available here. Survey responses and comments must be received before noon on Aug. 3 to be included in the public record.
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