Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

Informing you and your community in 2025

Bridge Michigan’s year-end fundraising campaign is happening now! As we barrel toward 2025, we are crafting our strategy to watchdog Michigan’s newly elected officials, launch regional newsletters to better serve West and North Michigan, explore Michigan’s great outdoors with our new Outdoor Life reporter, innovate our news delivery and engagement opportunities, and much more!

Will you help us prepare for the new year? Your tax-deductible support makes our work possible!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate

See how much a 45-cent Michigan gas tax might cost you

August 29, 2019: Michigan House Dem leader says Whitmer’s 45-cent gas tax is probably dead

Hard on heels of auto insurance reform, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to push her plans to nearly triple the state's gas tax to raise about $2 billion per year for roads.

So far, Republicans are balking and one poll shows the 45-cent increase is a big loser among Michigan residents ‒ even if those same residents have told other pollsters that roads are their No. 1 concern.

August 2019: Pressure builds on Michigan Republicans for roads plan to avoid shutdown​
Related: Here are 9 ways to build better roads in Michigan, from old tires to pig poop​
Related: Michigan House GOP plans to replace sales tax on gasoline to fund roads

If passed, Whitmer's gas tax would bring Michigan's rate to 71.3 cents a gallon, the highest in the nation. Pennsylvania is now the highest at 57.6 cents per gallon.

Below is a quick way to see how much more per week and year you'd pay if gas taxes rose 45 cents a gallon. Of course, it does not calculate the savings you might get in fewer car repairs, estimated at nearly $650 a year. Whitmer has repeatedly pointed out that motorists would pay more in gas taxes but pay less for new tires, lost hubcaps and wheel alignments caused by the state's worst-in-the nation road network.

So, how much would a 45-cent gas tax cost you? Use our tool below

Added weekly cost: $ 
Added annual cost: $ 

How impactful was this article for you?

Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

  • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
  • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
  • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now