Illinois Quick Hits: Toll burden 5th in U.S.

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – As Illinoisans face the prospect of higher tolls proposed by the state tollway board, a new study says the Land of Lincoln already has the fifth-highest toll burden in the United States.

Houston, Texas-based DeHoyos Accident Attorneys ranked the 2024 Illinois toll burden of $15.19 per 1,000 miles behind Delaware, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Illinois Tollway officials have proposed a toll increase of about 45 cents per toll for IPASS users and a 30% rate hike for commercial IPASS users.

ILLINOIS RANKS 14TH, 7TH ON CHILD CARE COST LISTS

Illinois ranks 14th on a report listing states with the highest child care costs.

According to WalletHub, Illinoisans spend 8.3% of median annual married-couple income on family-based care and 13.2% on center-based child care.

The report said Illinois has the seventh-highest child care costs for single-parent families.

https://wallethub.com/edu/child-care-costs-by-state/151929

CHICAGO BREAKS GROUND ON TAXPAYER-FUNDED APARTMENT PROJECT

On Tuesday, Chicago officials broke ground on a $6.5 million apartment project using about $4 million in taxpayer funds provided through the city’s $1.25 housing and economic development bond.

The project will replace eight vacant lots in the North Lawndale neighborhood with 27 mid-density homes.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office said in a statement that Johnson’s administration has secured approval for more than 100 “Missing Middle” buildings containing more than 300 homes across the south and west sides of the city, with total project costs more than $11 million.

IDOT CONDUCTS ROADSIDE MOWING

The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to slow down and proceed with caution now that peak roadside mowing season is underway.

IDOT says the heaviest mowing will continue until August 15 so operations are timed to preserve and promote pollinator habitat.