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From our State Capitol in Lansing to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, WKAR is committed to explaining how the actions of lawmakers are affecting Michiganders. Political and government reporter Abigail Censky leads this section. There are also stories from Capitol correspondents Cheyna Roth, Rick Pluta and the Associated Press. As the 2020 presidential race begins, look here for reports on the role Michigan will play in electing or re-electing the president.

Gov. Whitmer: Road Funding Debate Putting Lives At Risk

portrait: Whitmer
michigan.gov
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says people’s safety is at stake in the debate over road funding. The governor has called for a 45-cent increase in the fuel tax to pay for repairs.

Governor Whitmer used the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual policy conference on Mackinac Island to lobby for her proposal. She challenged Republicans to offer an alternative if they don’t like her plan.

She said the $2.5 billion dollar price tag is big because the problem has been ignored for so long.

“This is a serious issue that is very dangerous and we need to get serious about fixing it," said Gov. Whitmer.

The Michigan Department of Transportation said a third of Michigan’s roads will be in poor condition within two years.

The governor said she’s particularly concerned about the condition of Michigan’s bridges.
 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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