East Michigan News

State Representative Tom Kunse, a Republican from Clare, presented testimony to the House Transportation Committee regarding a proposed road package by the Republicans. The plan aims to address Michigan's deteriorating local roads.

"Our road plan is a reliable, long-term solution to actually fix our roads," Kunse stated. "For too long, Michigan’s local roads have been neglected, despite repeated promises to repair them. Michiganders deserve better. This plan will deliver the real results that residents have been waiting for."

The proposal seeks to allocate an additional $3.1 billion annually for infrastructure improvements without increasing taxes. The funding sources include ending corporate welfare and similar earmarks ($1.1 billion), increased revenue from higher tax returns ($600 million), cutting pork barrel spending ($500 million), and dedicating all taxes paid at the pump to roads ($945 million).

Kunse emphasized the fiscal responsibility of the plan: "This is a fiscally responsible and revenue neutral plan that ensures our roads are being repaired without increasing the cost for taxpayers," he said. "By reallocating existing funds and cutting unnecessary spending, we can deliver the roads that the people have been asking for, without hurting their wallets."