The months-long discussion about whether to raise Michigan's sales tax by a penny is nearing an end. Voters will decide the issue next Tuesday. According to Michigan’s ‘Citizens Research Council,” the measure would eventually generate about an additional $1.3-billion to be spent on the state’s roads and bridges. It creates a new formula for assessing the state’s gas tax, which would be tied to the wholesale price of gasoline. At current prices, it would go up about 10 cents per gallon. Whatever the increase, it would be lessened somewhat by the removal of sales tax from gasoline.And although some low-income Michigan households will see their tax bite go down, several estimates put the increase in taxes for the average Michigan household at around $500 a year.
Current State speaks with one of the key supporters of the measure, Roger Martin. He runs the public campaign dubbed “Safe Roads Yes!" and is a partner in the Martin-Waymire Advocacy in Lansing.