LANSING, MI - Road repair funding is one of the toughest, touchiest subjects pending in the Michigan Legislature.
But many lawmakers aren’t shy about seeking input from state residents as they prepare to make their own decisions.
Rep. Dan Lauwers -- a Republican from Brockway Township in St. Clair County – has even put up a survey on his website seeking input from area residents on how to handle the issue.
"Our roads and bridges are in terrible shape, there's no doubt about it, and how we go about fixing the problem is a question that will receive considerable debate at the Capitol,” Lauwers, a member of the House Transportation Committee, said in a statement. "I want as many local residents as possible to weigh in on this important issue so I can best represent them during the voting process.”
House Democrats say the road repair issue has come up on a "listening tour" across the state, but generally behind education and taxes.
Gov. Rick Snyder wants lawmakers to approve an additional $1.2 billion a year for Michigan road funding. The Republican governor says that if the state doesn't start paying more for road repairs now, the bill will simply get more expensive in future years.
Lawmakers generally agree Michigan roads need improving but there’s reluctance to support any of the ideas proposed to raise the money. Motorists generally would have to pay more – either through higher gas taxes, vehicle registration fees or possibly a higher general sales tax. There could be proposals coming to try and fund road repairs through savings, but those options likely would include making cuts in other areas of the state budget.
Legislative leaders acknowledge there isn't much consensus but say they'll try to reach a bipartisan agreement on the matter, possibly as early as this summer.
Email Tim Martin at tmartin4@mlive.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TimMartinMI