Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro has expressed concerns over a new transit funding proposal being advanced in the Illinois Senate. The plan, which includes several tax hikes and fees, is seen by Sanalitro as unfairly targeting suburban families to address what she describes as "Chicago’s fiscal mismanagement."

The proposed measures include a 10% rideshare tax applicable in Chicago, Cook, and surrounding counties, a $0.50 tollway surcharge across the metro region, an expansion of the real estate transfer tax, and new fees on electric vehicle charging stations.

“This robs the suburbs to fund Chicago’s financial mismanagement,” said Rep. Sanalitro. She questioned why families in suburban DuPage and Cook counties should pay more taxes for what she perceives as increased control over their tax dollars by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Sanalitro criticized the proposal for potentially increasing decision-making power for a city government with a history of financial issues. “Maybe if Chicago stopped funding sanctuary city programs, they wouldn’t need to reach into the pockets of suburban taxpayers to fund a broken system,” she added.

Local leaders from DuPage County, including State Senator Seth Lewis, have warned that this plan could result in significant costs for local governments. They foresee potential layoffs in public safety sectors, cuts to senior programs, and reductions in essential services.

Concerns are not limited to Republican voices; members of organized labor have also raised issues with the plan. Union leaders argue that it lacks sustainable funding solutions and could face legal challenges due to possible bond covenant violations while shifting financial burdens onto suburban drivers and homeowners without addressing core transit system problems.

“Everyone agrees we need a long-term solution to support public transit,” said Sanalitro. “But piling more taxes onto suburban families isn’t the answer.” She believes this plan threatens local budgets and working families while deepening divides between Chicago and its suburbs.

Sanalitro advocates for an approach that addresses long-term transit challenges without imposing additional burdens on collar county families. As legislative sessions conclude, she intends to oppose further tax increases affecting her communities.

For further details or inquiries, contact State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro’s district office at 630-349-0645.

State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro serves House District 48 encompassing Addison, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle, Schaumburg, and Wood Dale within DuPage and Cook counties.

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