Illinois Tollway fees a good example of how Illinois politicians interpret ‘temporary’

In the past two years, the Illinois Tollway Authority has filed lawsuits totaling $11 million against drivers who didn’t pay tolls – a fee that was originally sold to the public as “temporary.” When the Illinois Tollway was originally created in 1953, lawmakers used the revenue to pay for the original bonding needed to build...

In the past two years, the Illinois Tollway Authority has filed lawsuits totaling $11 million against drivers who didn’t pay tolls – a fee that was originally sold to the public as “temporary.”

When the Illinois Tollway was originally created in 1953, lawmakers used the revenue to pay for the original bonding needed to build highways. Former Gov. Bill Stratton, who held office during the creation of the Illinois Tollway, later stated, “Our idea was, at the end of 40 years, when the bonds were paid off, then the tolls would come off.”

Stratton’s original Tollway projections were actually incorrect, as money poured into the Tollway and the original bonds were paid off in full by the early 1980s – years earlier than anticipated.

However, despite the revenues exceeding expectations and the original bonds being paid off, the tolls still remain on Illinois roadways, serving as a constant reminder of the broken promise made to the people of Illinois.

Looking ahead to the upcoming months, the General Assembly will consider making permanent another “temporary” cost to Illinoisans: the 2011 income tax increase. When Illinois legislators passed the massive tax increase in 2011, it was the largest income tax increase in Illinois’ history. The only good news was that this tax increase was not designed – at least on the surface – to be permanent, and the law was written so the tax increase would largely sunset at the end of 2015.

But, once again, Illinois lawmakers are looking to turn their backs on promises and make permanent yet another government moneymaker, instead of reforming out-of-control spending. Today, Illinois citizens are being sued for not paying tolls that shouldn’t even exist; tomorrow, those same Illinois citizens may be asked to pay more in taxes that should sunset as promised.