State lawmakers are back in Lansing Tuesday. Here are some of the major priorities the Legislature expects to tackle before the end of the year.
Michigan roads
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | How bad are Michigan’s roads? It’s even affecting food banks
The executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan says investing in our roads is vital to the state’s future.
Posted inMichigan Government
As September looms, no Republican proposal yet to fix Michigan’s roads
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican legislative leaders are still meeting to discuss road funding and the 2020 budget, but they haven’t yet reached a compromise. They have until the end of September to pass a budget or risk a shutdown.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Enough is enough – don’t fix Michigan's roads with classroom dollars
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey’s idea doesn’t fix the damn roads – it kicks the can down the damn road.
Posted inMichigan Government
Republican ideas to fund Michigan road repairs taking shape over summer
Republicans are under pressure to counter Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 45-cent gas tax proposal to raise $2.5 billion for roads without raising taxes. Among ideas being floated: local gas taxes and pension bonds, both of which carry risks.
Posted inMichigan Government
Pressure builds on Michigan Republicans to share their road funding plan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has her own hurdles selling a gas tax hike. But as she notes, Republican leaders have yet to show how they would raise the more than $2 billion needed for roads as the Legislature breaks for summer recess.
Posted inMichigan Government
Here are 9 ways to build better roads in Michigan, from old tires to pig poop
Researchers in Michigan and elsewhere are studying new ways to increase the lifespan of roads and bridges. Could recycled materials and new methods of mixing asphalt be the future? See our slideshow.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan House GOP plans to replace sales tax on gasoline to fund roads
House Republicans intend to propose replacing Michigan’s 6 percent sales tax on gasoline purchases with an equal amount of gas tax, dedicating the revenue to roads. Some Democrats say they’re concerned about the impact of losing sales tax revenue on schools and local governments.
Posted inMichigan Government
See how much a 45-cent Michigan gas tax might cost you
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to solve the state’s crumbling roads with a 45-cent gas tax, money that she says would fix Michigan’s woeful roads. It would cost more but, she said, also save motorists hundreds in repair costs each year.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer urges business to back gas tax, Michigan Republicans still balking
The Democratic governor pleaded with the state’s business leaders to pressure legislators on her $2.5 billion road proposal after signing auto insurance reform.