By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-1001701.mp3
LANSING, MI –
A package of bills that would increase the state's vehicle registration fees and the amount drivers pay for a gallon of gas has been rolled out at the state Capitol. As Michigan Public Radio's Laura Weber reports, it's designed to generate more than a billion dollars to help fix the state's crumbling bridges and roads.
Under the proposal, vehicle registration fees would be raised by 67%. And a new sales tax on gas at the wholesale level would eliminate the fuel tax at the pump, but cost drivers about nine cents more per gallon. That's according to Republican state Representative Rick Olson who says there needs to be better funding for bridges and roads.
"It really goes back down to the need," he says. "With the study we showed we need at least 1.4 billion or we're going to need to spend more in the future."
Olson says there are no plans to turn any of the state's major highways into toll roads. Governor Rick Snyder called on lawmakers to approve the new revenue for transportation.