Andrew S. Chesney, Illinois State Senator for 45th District | Illinois General Assembly
Andrew S. Chesney, Illinois State Senator for 45th District | Illinois General Assembly
Legislative Democrats in Illinois passed a major overhaul of the state’s public transit funding system in the early hours of October 31. The bill, exceeding 1,000 pages, was approved at 4:00 AM without committee hearings or public input. Critics argue that both the timing and content of the legislation are concerning.
The new law shifts the distribution of revenue from sales tax on motor fuel. Previously, these funds were split with 55% allocated to downstate and rural transportation needs and 45% to Chicago-area systems. Under the new plan, 85% will go to a newly established transit authority serving Chicago and its suburbs, leaving only 15% for other regions.
This change means Chicago transit is set to receive about $731 million annually, while the rest of Illinois will get $129 million. Rural areas stand to lose nearly $473 million each year due to this adjustment. Governor JB Pritzker has expressed strong support for the measure.
Critics say this amounts to taxpayers outside Chicago subsidizing more than half a billion dollars yearly for Chicago’s transit system. They point out that despite ongoing reports of unreliable service and safety concerns within Chicago’s system, no reforms or accountability measures were included in the bill.
Concerns have also been raised about fairness for families and businesses outside Chicago who already face higher transportation costs due to longer travel distances for work and essential services. They argue that these communities are being asked to contribute more while receiving less in return.
"Illinois should not be a state where one region prospers at the direct expense of another. Additionally, significant financial and policy decisions should not be brokered while the public sleeps. And finally, taxpayers should not be treated like a bottomless piggy bank to bail out politically powerful interests," said Illinois State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport).
"Illinoisans deserve transparency, fairness, and a transportation system that serves the whole state, not just Chicagoland. Unfortunately, the passage of SB 2111 in the dead of night is just the latest example of how Illinois Democrats do business," Chesney added.
Chesney was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 45th Senate District in 2023 after replacing Brian Stewart.
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