More than 900 people in the 45th Senate District recently responded to my survey on the proposed tollway rate increase. More than 95% said they opposed it.
That message was not unique to my district. Illinoisans across the state submitted public comments and spoke out against the proposal. Republicans, Democrats and independents were largely saying the same thing: We are already paying enough.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his allies did not listen.
The largest tollway rate increase in state history is now moving forward. Beginning January 1, 2027, passenger vehicle tolls will increase by 45 cents per toll, while commercial vehicle tolls will jump by 30%. The increase will also hit tollways used by families and businesses in Winnebago County.
What makes this even worse is that the increases won’t necessarily stop there. Beginning in 2029, toll rates will automatically adjust every two years based on inflation.
Illinoisans were once told these tollways would eventually go away. Instead, they have become a permanent source of revenue, and now the state is reaching even deeper into the pockets of the people who use them.
The people of Illinois made their position overwhelmingly clear, and Governor Pritzker and the Democrats ignored them anyway. Elected officials are supposed to listen to the people they represent, not look for another way to make them pay more.
I will continue speaking out against this toll hike and the continued disregard for Illinois taxpayers.
