Illinoisans Made Their Voices Clear on Toll Hike, Pritzker Didn’t Listen
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.
Supporting Highland Community College’s Growth
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Highland Community College President Dr. Jamal Scott at Higher Grounds Coffee Shop in Freeport to talk about what’s happening at Highland and where the college can go from here.
Dr. Scott and I discussed the many educational opportunities Highland already provides, along with some of the new programs being developed for students. We also talked about the importance of bringing four-year degree programs to Highland. Expanding these options would give local students more opportunities to continue their education close to home while preparing for their future careers.
Another important part of our conversation focused on expanding Highland’s presence in Galena and throughout Jo Daviess County. Highland Community College is an important resource for northwest Illinois, and I believe there are opportunities for the college to play an even larger role in supporting students, families and employers throughout the region.
Thank you to Dr. Scott for taking the time to meet with me and for the great conversation.
Making Everyday Travel Easier for Illinois Caregivers
For families caring for a loved one with a disability, even everyday travel can come with added challenges. A new program in Illinois is helping make that a little easier.
The Secretary of State has expanded in-person disability parking placard services through a new pilot program. The change follows a new law allowing legal guardians who transport children and individuals with disabilities who cannot drive themselves to obtain meter-exempt disability parking placards. Previously, these benefits were primarily available to drivers with disabilities.
I think this is a commonsense change that recognizes the important role caregivers play every day. The new walk-in option should also help cut down on application processing times and make it easier for eligible caregivers to get the placards they need.
These placards provide access to disability parking spaces, exemptions from parking meter fees, and certain time restrictions.
I’m glad to see a practical change that can make life a little easier for Illinois caregivers and the families who depend on them.
Help Keep Our Roads Safe This Winter
It may still feel like summer, but IDOT is already preparing for another Illinois winter!
The Illinois Department of Transportation is hiring more than 1,500 temporary workers through its Winter Seasonal “Snowbird” Program. Both full-time seasonal and on-call positions are available.
These workers play an important role in keeping our roads clear and helping people get where they need to go safely when winter weather hits. It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to earn some extra income during the winter months while providing an important service to their community.
If you or someone you know is looking for seasonal work this winter, I encourage you to check it out!
For more information, please visit https://idot.illinois.gov/careers/seasonal-employment.html to learn more.
