August 2026 – Prairie Site Promise

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Governor J.B. Pritzker has once again gotten his way at the expense of Illinois taxpayers. This afternoon, the Illinois Tollway board, hand-picked by Pritzker, unanimously approved the increases. The 57% increase will cost a commuter who passes through two tolls a day, 5 days a week, approximately $225 starting in 2027.

AFP-IL Deputy State Director Brian Costin issued the following statement:

“This toll hike is pure Springfield cronyism. Drivers are being asked to pay roughly 57% more, and commercial vehicles 30% more, not because Tollway users will get better roads or less traffic, but because Speaker Chris Welch said the toll hike was “the price that needed to be paid” to secure labor support for the transit bailout and raiding of the road fund.

“Gov. Pritzker sits on the Tollway Board and appoints its other directors. This should have been an easy decision: reject the hike and follow Section 19 of the Illinois Toll Highway Act, which requires tolls to be set at rates calculated to provide the ‘lowest reasonable toll rates’ sufficient to meet the Tollway’s legitimate costs. The Tollway is not a political slush fund for Gov. Pritzker and Springfield Democrats to reward their political allies.

“Illinoisans already face the highest overall tax burden in the country. Gov. Pritzker should be looking for ways to lower that burden, not piling on another massive increase.”

The post AFP on Pritzker Toll Increase: Pure Springfield Cronyism appeared first on Americans for Prosperity.

HARRISBURG, IL — On Wednesday, Americans for Prosperity–Illinois (AFP-IL) joined Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) to hand out backpacks to Illinois families ahead of the new school year.

The event highlighted Governor J.B. Pritzker’s failure to opt in to the education tax credit created by the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), leaving money on the table for hardworking families across the state.

Congressman Mike Bost issued the following statement:

“Every Illinois family and student deserves the opportunity to tailor education to their own needs, regardless of cost or ZIP code. That’s what guided my work in Congress to help pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and deliver federal education tax credits for students across the country.

“While the Governor has yet to opt into the program, I appreciate the work of AFP in educating Illinoisians on the benefits of these federal tax credits. As families head back to school, I’ll keep working to create an America where hard work is rewarded and every student has the opportunity to get ahead.”

AFP-Illinois State Director Jason Heffley issued the following statement:

“Getting kids ready for school shouldn’t come at the expense of a family’s bottom line, and thanks to leaders like Congressman Bost, Illinois families are keeping more of their own money to do just that. The Working Families Tax Cuts and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are putting real savings back in parents’ pockets — $2,670 for the average Illinois family — at a time when Governor Pritzker keeps reaching into their wallets instead.

“AFP is grateful to Rep. Bost for standing up for Illinois students and taxpayers in Washington. Now it’s time for Governor Pritzker to do the same by opting in to the federal education tax credit that would expand opportunity for every Illinois student, regardless of the school they attend.”

As families across the state prepare to send their kids back to school, AFP-IL wanted to remind Illinoisians of the work Rep. Bost and lawmakers in Washington have done to ease the financial burden on households. Last year, the OBBBA and renewal of the Working Families Tax Cuts saved the average Illinois family $2,670 on their federal tax bill.

The post ICYMI: AFP-IL, Rep. Bost Give School Backpacks to Families, Highlight Federal Tax Relief appeared first on Americans for Prosperity.