Governor Rick Snyder has signed legislation to raise $1.2 billion to repair roads.
But, as we hear from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta, the money all depends on voters approving a tax hike.
The governor signed a bill to guarantee that all state taxes paid at the pump will go to roads. A sales tax increase by a penny on every dollar would ensure schools, local governments and mass transit don’t lose money.
The governor says he’s not anxious to raise taxes, but this is a critical investment.
“No one likes our roads,” he says. “It’s a public safety issue. You’re talking nearly 100 lives a year. You’re talking bent rims, blown tires, all these other consequences.”
The governor says he plans to take a prominent role in selling the sales tax increase to voters. The question is on the ballot in May.