Illinois drivers have only a short window to comment on a $26.5 billion capital plan that includes the largest passenger tollway hike in state history.

The proposal would raise tolls Jan. 1, with inflation-linked increases every two years after that.

Revamping how the state decides on spending would improve responsibility and transparency.

Drivers paid nearly $27 billion in tolls from 2024 back to 1973, the year the roads were to become toll-free. Now the largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history is possible.

A $500,000 grant from the state highlights issues in transparency and last-minute funding.

Illinois’ broken budgeting process allows legislators to hand taxpayer money to podcasting and production studios.

State lawmakers voted to hike road tolls in 2027, even though the state has billions in the road fund it’s not using. Some drivers are reconsidering their commutes; Laura Valdez explains why she cut toll roads out of her routine years ago.