Support legislation to fix Michigan’s roads!
The single most avoided problem in the state is finally garnering some much-deserved attention: yesterday, Senators Kahn, Casperson, Pappageorge and Richardville introduced a six-bill package that will provide much needed increased transportation funding to finally “just fix the roads!”
“Now that we have a proposed solution, we look forward to working with members on both sides in the Legislature to get the bills passed. Ultimately, we don’t have Democratic or Republican roads; we have Michigan roads, and they are in terrible shape,” said Mike Nystrom, co-chair of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) and executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association.
The bills (Senate Bills 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 and Senate Joint Resolution J) give voters a choice on how they want to adequately fund infrastructure in Michigan. One option is to increase fuel and registration taxes to generate additional revenue for road construction and maintenance. This proposal would convert gas taxes to a limited wholesale tax rate based on the price of fuel, protecting against inflation. Any fluctuations in the tax rate would be limited to one cent per year. Registration taxes would also increase for most vehicles. Together, these bills are projected to raise $1.6 billion, which is the estimated funding needed to fix our current transportation system.
The other option in the package would increase the sales and use tax to eight percent. This proposal addresses the fact that the entire state benefits from good quality infrastructure, not only those who frequently drive on our roads. The fuel tax would be eliminated under this proposal, which is estimated to generate between $1.5 - $1.7 billion annually in additional transportation funds.
Finding a solution to our crumbling infrastructure is supported by a broad coalition of business groups, labor organizations, local governments and others. Rich Studley, president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, recently shared his support for fixing our roads now.
“The time to act is now,” said Studley. “The governor has put forth a reasonable proposal: save time, save money, save lives, and create 11,000 new jobs for Michigan residents.”
Terrence Jungel, executive director of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, also weighed in on the issue. “When it comes to Michigan roads, we are in a crisis situation. Investment in our infrastructure needs to be made sooner rather than later. Better roads are safer roads,” said Jungel. “Our roads are deteriorating at a rate of more than $3 million a day, over $1 billion annually. We can’t wait to address this problem.”
Mark Schauer of the Michigan Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust, and former Member of Congress says: “There will be 11,000 jobs created by making an investment in our roads, bridges, transit and infrastructure. To me, it’s the right thing to do, and I hope folks are able to find a way to come together to do that.”
To ensure we are able to continue to make improvements in Michigan’s roads after they are brought up to par, the bill package also proposes the establishment of a capital improvement fund by revising current registration fees to account for current parity issues and adjusting depreciation rates. This will allow the state to go beyond maintaining our road system to make it safer, less congested and more efficient.
With the introduction of this vital legislation, Michigan has moved one step closer to saving money and saving lives. The time to fix our roads is now, and Senate Bills 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 and Senate Joint Resolution J offer multiple solutions to do just that.
