Good afternoon!
I hope you’re enjoying the summer and finding time to spend with family and friends.
Over the past few weeks, there has been no shortage of developments in Springfield, including two major ethics scandals surrounding the House Democratic Caucus. There is also a proposed Illinois Tollway rate increase that could significantly impact drivers across our state. More information on these issues and upcoming events can be found below.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office at any time. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 815-561-3690.
Ethics Scandals Rock House Democratic Caucus
Illinois House Democrats are facing a series of ethics controversies. First, Former State Representative Harry Benton resigned in disgrace following major allegations of sexual harassment. On Friday, the situation worsened after the Chicago Tribune published an article claiming that Speaker Chris Welch’s office knew about harassment claims against former Rep. Harry Benton in 2023 but failed to take appropriate action.
At the same time, State Representative Carol Ammons was federally indicted on multiple counts of wire fraud and making false statements to the FBI. In response, I joined my House Republican colleagues in calling for the creation of a Special Investigating Committee to review the charges against Rep. Ammons and ensure these allegations receive a full, independent review.
Unfortunately, Illinoisans are all too familiar with this kind of unethical behavior from those in power. These cases are exactly why we need to pass comprehensive ethics reform now.
Illinois families deserve a state government that is transparent and accountable, and I will continue fighting for those principles in Springfield.
Tollway Plans Massive New Year’s Day Toll Hike
The Illinois Tollway Authority is proposing a 57% increase in toll rates that would begin on January 1, 2027. This increase would raise passenger vehicle tolls from 7 cents to 11 cents per mile. The agency says the increase would fund a new $26.5 billion, 15-year capital improvement program to maintain and expand the tollway system. If approved, it would be the largest toll increase in Illinois history.
Illinois families and workers should not be forced to shoulder another major cost increase simply because our government failed to plan responsibly. Many residents and businesses rely on the tollway every day, and a 57% increase would be completely unsustainable for everyone. Illinois taxpayers deserve accountability and responsible budgeting.
The tollway is taking public comments until noon on Monday, August 3rd. Click here for more information or to submit public comments on this proposal.
OSLAD Grant Applications Open
Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants help local governments acquire land and develop public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Applications for the grants are open now through August 31! Learn more here.
Summer Tour
Join me for my 2026 Summer Tour! This year, I will be making four stops across the district for Coffee & Conversation and Town Hall events.
This tour is one of my favorite parts of being your State Representative, as it allows me to speak directly with the people I am honored to represent.
Coffee & Conversation – Mendota
WHEN: August 4th, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
WHERE: Ziggie’s Family Restaurant – 1212 1st Avenue, Mendota
Town Hall – Paw Paw
WHEN: August 11th, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
WHERE: Paw Paw Community Center – 362 Chicago Road, Paw Paw
Hope to see you at one of these events! If you’re unable to attend, you can contact my office at any time by phone at 815-561-3690 or by email at [email protected].
Community Outreach
I met with Charlotte McWade and Zoe Miller from Birth to Five Illinois Region 35. We spoke about their critical work improving early childhood education and opportunities for Illinois children. Thank you to Birth to Five for all the work you do!
I had the chance to bring my interns down to Springfield and show them the importance of the work we do for the people of Illinois. They got a tour of the Capitol and even got to stop and say hello to Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie! They’ve been hard at work across the 74th this summer, and it was my pleasure to bring them on this fun field trip to the Capitol.
My office attended the Dixon FFA Steak Fry and was excited to see another great turnout from the community! The support for these students is well deserved and will help provide more opportunities for them in the future. Always happy to support our amazing local FFA groups!
Thank you to all of the local mayors and village presidents who attended my roundtable event! We had a great time discussing what’s going on in Springfield, the challenges our communities are facing, and updates on legislation that could affect local governments.
We had a great evening at the Rochelle Legislative Town Hall. I always appreciate the chance to engage directly with constituents and to answer their questions or address their concerns. Thanks to State Senator Li Arellano, Jr and Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows for teaming up on this event!
We had an incredible turnout for our annual Senior Fair in DeKalb. A huge thank you to all of the agencies, organizations, and businesses who showed up to help us support our seniors!
Museum Pass
Are you looking to visit one of the incredible museums across the Chicagoland area? Utilize my office’s FREE museum pass, allowing admission to any participating museum for up to four people.
Reservations are required and must be made by completing our request form, which can be completed by clicking here.
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Bradley J. Fritts