Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles
Governor J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget diverts $308 million from Illinois’ Road Fund, including $171 million in fuel tax revenues, to cover short-term budget gaps in spite of the state’s poor road conditions. Critics say this undermines the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois plan and violates the spirit of the state’s 2016 “lockbox” amendment meant to protect transportation funds. Despite repeated promises to prioritize infrastructure, lawmakers continue using short-term fixes while Illinois roads rank below national and regional averages.
