This story originally appeared in WLNS 6 News. Read more here.
Thousands of Michigan workers at the State Capitol on Wednesday afternoon as part of the “Save Our Jobs, Fund Our Roads” rally, calling on lawmakers to pass a “long-term, equitable, and sustainable road funding plan.”
“Michigan cannot afford any more delays in enacting a long-term road funding plan,” said Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), in a news release sent to 6 News.
“If lawmakers fail to act now, thousands of construction workers will lose their livelihoods and Michigan families will pay the price every time they drive on our crumbling and deteriorating roads. The time for debate has passed, and Michiganders are demanding a solution now.”
The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, the Operating Engineers 324, the Michigan Laborers District Council, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights joined contractors, road construction workers, and labor union members from across the state at the rally.
Heavy construction equipment was on display during the rally, with utility trucks circling the streets surrounding the Capitol.
Organizers of the rally say infrastructure is Michigan’s “backbone” and warn that thousands of jobs could be at stake if legislation isn’t passed.
Tyrese West, a union representative from Detroit, said people’s livelihoods are at stake.
“It’s important because they fund people’s lives. You can be the person that’s working 2 to 3000 hours a year and go down to 1000 to 500 hours a year. You can’t afford to pay your bills and pay your rent and stuff like that,” said West.
He was one of thousands of contractors, road construction workers, and labor union members who took to the Capitol lawn today, asking lawmakers to come up with a plan.
“Important to get road jobs for our members here, we had the deal that was passed a couple years ago, the infrastructure deal, and we’ve been having jobs heavy that last couple years for our laborers, but this year the work has gone down, so we need work for our members,” said West.
Organizers warn that if Democrats and Republicans don’ work together and pass a funding plan, 10,000 jobs could be lost. Ralliers say something needs to be passed soon, because the number of jobs is dwindling.
Michigan Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford) believes it’s Democrats who are blocking the funding.
“The only thing holding up this road plan that the Republicans have, and we’re adding $3.4 billion to our roads,” said Maddock. “It’s never been done before in Michigan history… the Senate Democrats and Governor Whitmer.
State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Okemos), disagrees.
“The bonding that the governor has done is coming to an end, and she’s been working for 8 years to try to come up with a workable solution, and Republicans have absolutely refused to do any new revenue for our roads,” Brixie said.
Key speakers at the event included Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of AJAX Paving Industries James Jacob, and others.
“This isn’t just about potholes. It’s about people, jobs, and keeping Michigan communities strong,” said Janice Sharper, owner of A Sharper Service, in a news release sent to 6 News.
“Every day Lansing delays action, jobs are lost, costs climb, and Michigan drivers end up paying the price.”