This afternoon the Senate Infrastructure Modernization Committee took testimony on a series of bills (HB 4630, 5477, 5493, 5459, SB 6 and 149) that represent another step forward in achieving a sustainable solution to fund Michigan’s transportation network.

These bills would change the tax paid at the pump from a cents per gallon tax to a tax paid on the wholesale price, charge the same tax rate on diesel and gasoline, streamline registration fees, and dedicate the unallocated general fund revenue from sales tax paid at the pump to roads.

The League testified that these bills were another good step forward in solving our funding shortfall but that significant revenue needs to be add. This committee plans to meet again tomorrow morning (5/21) and vote these bills out. It is then anticipated that the Senate will take these bills up on the floor and take the necessary steps to add significant revenue.

We are hopeful that the Senate will increase the funding in this package and we look forward to working with them to ensure that this happens.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.