Democrats push for increase in fees to pay for roads, Republicans balk

(The Center Square) – Two different plans for how to fix Michigan’s roads are currently in the legislature as the last few remaining days of the lame-duck session wind down.

In recent bills, House Democrats are pushing to pass increased fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, and tolls before Republicans take control.

The amended H.B. 6257 would add an additional vehicle registration fee, increasing the cost for each registrant by $100 per year. An additional piece of legislation would create a Michigan Tolling Authority, which would have the power to designate toll roads and “set the toll rates.”

Both bills were proposed by Democrat Reps. Jasper Martus and Alabas Farhat, who officially introduced the legislation Dec. 5.

The legislation would also increase the gas tax in Michigan by 19 cents.

Michigan already has some of the highest vehicle registration costs and gas taxes in the country, currently coming in at 30 cents per gallon.

Republicans have pushed back against the increased fees, with Senate Majority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, saying that he’s a “hell no.”

They also have pointed out how it seems the effort from Democrats is very last minute, despite Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer making road repair a key part of her campaign in 2018.

“Gov. Whitmer promised to ‘Fix the damn roads.’ Yet, Democrats waited until there were mere days left in their majority to finally offer a plan,” said Michigan Senate Republicans in a statement. “When they finally did, it was taxes, fees, and toll roads.”

Republicans have proposed an alternative plan, which would “reserve $2.7 billion annually for road and bridge repairs without raising taxes.”

Much of the money would come from reallocating funds, while ensuring money currently raised from gas taxes goes toward roads.

While both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge a lot still needs to be done, Whitmer has consistently said that she is fulfilling her promise since becoming governor.

“We’re making sure our state’s infrastructure is strong for years to come,” she said on social media. “Let’s keep fixing the damn roads, building bridges, and working together to get things done.”

On Dec. 4, Whitmer announced nine grants, which total $2.9 million, to rural communities throughout Michigan to help with road repair.

“These grants will help communities across the state fix local roads faster so people can get to work or drop their kids off at school and businesses can move goods and supplies around more efficiently all year round,” said Whitmer.

Still, even with the billions spent on the roads over the past few years, a recent report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan found that the state ranked 40th nationally for pavement condition. Yet, a lack of funding might not be the problem, the nonpartisan group said.

“Many states have been capable of achieving relatively good pavement conditions with relatively limited funding capacity,” the report said. “States with some of the best pavement conditions in the nation have funding levels comparable to Michigan.”