Public Media from Michigan State University

High Gas Prices Threaten Road Funding Talks In Lansing

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Some state lawmakers say there could be movement this week on a plan to boost funding for Michigan roads.

But as The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher reports, high prices at the pump statewide are threatening to stall those talks.

Governor Rick Snyder is pressing lawmakers to add more than a billion dollars every year for roads and transportation projects. And he wants them to come up with a plan this summer. That plan will likely include raising taxes at the pump.

House Transportation Committee Chair Wayne Schmidt says that’s already a tough sell.

“And especially in light of these high gasoline prices – ugh,” he says.  “It kind of sucks the wind out of the sails.”

But Schmidt says he wants to start moving ahead with a plan before lawmakers take a two-month summer break.

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Jake Neher is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He covers the State Legislature and other political events in Lansing.