State lawmakers return from a two-week break next week. One of the most pressing issues they’ll need to tackle is funding for roads.
As The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher tells us, one proposal seems to be gaining some momentum.
The idea is to boost the state sales tax by a penny.
House Appropriations Chair Joe Haveman says that’ll be the easiest plan to sell to lawmakers and voters. He says it’s important to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
“I hope we can get to a conclusion or consensus this week or next week to move forward and start putting a plan out there.”
Lawmakers are trying to raise more than a billion dollars to pay for road projects and maintenance this year.
Other ideas include boosting the state’s gas tax and vehicle registration fees.
A one-cent sales tax increase would have to be approved by voters.