SPRINGFIELD – Legislation was introduced that would require greater regional representation on the Illinois Tollway Board after none of the nine seats on the board were filled with members from Winnebago or Lake counties.

“Residents of counties serviced by the tollway ought to have someone on the board representing their interests,” State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) said. “This bill guarantees that those very residents get that representation and aren’t forgotten.”

The Toll Highway includes 294 miles in five tollways that run through 12 counties: Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Kane, DeKalb, Ogle, Whiteside and Lee.

“We have a law that says no more than five members of the tollway board may be from the same political party,” State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) said. “There should be a law that ensures geographic diversity on the board as well. Lake County is one of the largest financial contributors to the tollway. I think it's fair to demand a local voice for Lake County residents on the tollway board.”

Senate Bill 794 would require the governor to immediately appoint one member from Lake County and one member from either Winnebago, Boone or McHenry counties.