© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Whitmer Won't Accept 'Status Quo' In Road, Budget Talks

Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Amanda Pinckney
/
WKAR

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she won't sign a "status-quo" budget, stepping up her criticism of Republican legislative leaders for "not offering a viable alternative to her proposed 45-cents-a-gallon fuel tax hike to fix the roads."

The Democratic governor held a news conference Wednesday, about a month before the state budget deadline.

She says GOP lawmakers are "screwing around" and have not offered a legitimate plan nearly six months after she made her proposal.

She criticized their call to shift money for schools to the transportation budget.

She also officially ruled out taking longer to address unfunded liabilities in the Public School Employees' Retirement System to free up revenue for roads.

Whitmer says she refuses to "kick the can down the road."

Republicans say drivers oppose a 45-cent gas tax increase.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.