LANSING, Mich. – Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA), issued the following statement following House passage of long-term road funding legislation:
“As Michigan faces a critical road funding crisis, the House has taken decisive action by passing an essential nine-bill package that secures long-term funding for our transportation infrastructure. By redirecting existing state funds, this plan strengthens Michigan’s transportation budget, ensuring critical investments in roads and bridges while protecting thousands of construction jobs. The passage of these bills is an important step toward a sustainable solution that will save Michigan drivers money and prevent further economic strain as we approach the road funding cliff later this year.
“A key component of this plan addresses one of the most pressing issues in transportation funding — the sales tax on motor fuel. Michigan is one of only five states that levies a sales tax on gas but allocates virtually none of it toward road repairs. For decades, we have advocated for removing this tax and replacing it with an equivalent increase in the state’s excise tax on fuel, ensuring that every dollar drivers pay at the pump is directed toward fixing our roads.
“Michigan is faced with a triple threat: if our elected officials continue to delay and fail to approve a long-term funding plan, jobs will disappear, costs incurred by drivers will skyrocket, and the price of fixing our roads will soar. The momentum to address our infrastructure needs continues to build, and we cannot afford further inaction. It is time for all sides in Lansing to come together quickly to finalize a plan that will save thousands of jobs, provide long-overdue road improvements, and put money back into the pockets of Michigan drivers. We urge the Senate to act quickly on a long-term funding plan—Michigan’s future depends on it, and delay is not an option.”