Gov. Rick Snyder took a road trip Thursday – one day after delivering his State of the State address – to talk about Michigan roads.
The Republican governor’s goal: Present his business case for an additional $1.2 billion in annual investment in Michigan’s road system. Snyder is trying to persuade Michigan state lawmakers and residents that the investment is worth it. He says if the state doesn’t keep up with the road repair bill now, costs will rise significantly later as repairs are delayed and conditions get worse.
“Do you know anyone in Michigan that likes our roads?” Snyder asked a crowd of several hundred people at a Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce event Thursday in Livingston County. “I’ve done over 100 town halls in Michigan. I’m still looking for that person.”
Snyder also visited Midland on Thursday. He's echoing some of the themes addressed in his third annual State of the State speech from Wednesday night.
The Snyder administration says the investment plan would cost roughly $120 per vehicle in additional costs each year, although the cost would vary widely. Increased vehicle registration fees and some form of a higher gas tax are the most likely methods of raising the cash. As part of the plan, the state’s 19-cents-per-gallon gas tax could be switched to a percentage tax based on the wholesale price that could grow with inflation and raise more money.
Snyder’s plan could face political roadblocks in the Legislature. Both Republicans and Democrats generally acknowledge the need to maintain and improve Michigan roads. Actually raising money to pay for those improvements is a far more difficult and sensitive matter – particularly when it comes to higher taxes or user fees that would raise the cost of driving.
Snyder’s message: Pay the bill now, rather than leave a far more expensive bill later for the next generation. He says improved roads would make the state more attractive to businesses, help create jobs, lower vehicle repair bills and make roads safer.
Republicans hold the majority in the Legislature. But Snyder likely would need some Democratic votes to get a road funding proposal approved.
That could be tricky. Some Democrats say the plan would come at too high a cost to middle class families. And Democrats are still upset with Snyder because he signed legislation that will make Michigan a right-to-work state.
Roughly two dozen protesters were outside the facility where Snyder gave his Livingston County speech on Thursday.
Email Tim Martin at tmartin4@mlive.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TimMartinMI