East Michigan News

State Representative Jerry Neyer expressed opposition to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's $2.75 billion plan aimed at improving Michigan roads, which includes a tax increase. This proposal comes after House Republicans introduced their own $3.145 billion road funding strategy that does not involve raising taxes.

"Our roads throughout Michigan are falling apart and people are paying the price," said Neyer, R-Shepherd. "Local road commissioners are doing whatever they can, but the truth is the state has done a terrible job getting funding to where it’s needed most. The House Republican plan would secure substantive funding for local roads without forcing tax increases on the public – it would take the governor giving up on some failing corporate welfare programs. Instead, Gov. Whitmer is trying to go it alone and protect her handouts by forcing the public to foot the bill for her own poor planning."

Neyer emphasized that a key aspect of the House Republican proposal involves reallocating funds from corporate welfare programs to critical infrastructure projects. The plan also ensures that all taxes collected at gas stations are directed toward road funding, potentially adding $945 million annually for local roads.

The governor's plan reportedly allocates $3 billion to road improvements; however, $250 million of this amount is designated for new busing programs unrelated to road repairs.

Upon unveiling her proposal, Governor Whitmer's team suggested various "revenue enhancements," including taxes on businesses, retail delivery services such as Lyft and Uber, towing, heavy truck parking, and internet advertising.

"The consequences of the governor’s proposals would be catastrophic for people in my community," Neyer stated. "A tax on trucking will have a devastating impact on our farmers, who frequently rely on semis to haul crops to town. A tax on delivery services will punish college kids at Central Michigan trying to work themselves through school. We must show the governor these tax increases will hurt the very people she’s saying she wants to help."