The governor also tried to distance himself from the increases by pointing to the board — which he appointed.
By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute
Gov. J.B. Pritzker both defended the toll hikes that were approved last week and sought to distance himself from them.
Pritzker appointed all eight Illinois Tollway board members who signed off unanimously on the increases, which include the largest passenger hike in state history.
Asked about the rate increases last week at the Illinois State Fair, Pritzker said they were necessary to ensure Illinois has proper road infrastructure to keep the state competitive for commercial activity.
“Let’s be clear. We want to make sure that our roads are pothole-free, that we’re making sure to build more so we can build our economy across the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.
He also defended the hikes in June at an unrelated event.
“It’s something that they need to do in order to make sure that we have the best roads, the best infrastructure, and I think that’s something that you may overlook may when you contemplate why they would consider this,” Pritzker said.
But also at the fair, he said, “That was something voted on by the tollway authority.”
Under Illinois law, the governor appoints the nine-member tollway board (it’s currently eight members) and serves as an ex-officio member along with the state Transportation Secretary.
Pritzker and the transportation secretary did not vote.
Report continues here.
The tollway authority bought and paid for by billionaire Comrade Toilets.