By Rick Pluta
Governor Rick Snyder will call for changes to how Michigan collects fuel taxes in a special message Wednesday on fixing and upgrading infrastructure. Under the governor's proposal the state would tax a percentage of the wholesale price of fuel instead of the current tax of 19 cents per gallon of gas or 15 cents per gallon of diesel.
Aides to the governor say initially the plan will not cost consumers more, but over time the state would capture additional revenue as inflation drives up the cost of fuel.
Geralyn Lasher is the governor's communications director. She said it would bring Michigan money badly needed to fix crumbling roads and bridges.
"Bottom line is better roads drive better jobs, so we know there is an important economic impact when it comes to making sure is an adequate infrastructure in place in Michigan."
The new fuel tax will be just one of the funding mechanisms the governor will ask the Legislature to adopt. Governor Snyder will also call for better mass transit systems, fixing old and failing sewers, and making high-speed internet more widely available as part of his plan for a 21st Century infrastructure system.
© Copyright 2010, MPRN
Governor Rick Snyder will call for changes to how Michigan collects fuel taxes in a special message Wednesday on fixing and upgrading infrastructure. Under the governor's proposal the state would tax a percentage of the wholesale price of fuel instead of the current tax of 19 cents per gallon of gas or 15 cents per gallon of diesel.
Aides to the governor say initially the plan will not cost consumers more, but over time the state would capture additional revenue as inflation drives up the cost of fuel.
Geralyn Lasher is the governor's communications director. She said it would bring Michigan money badly needed to fix crumbling roads and bridges.
"Bottom line is better roads drive better jobs, so we know there is an important economic impact when it comes to making sure is an adequate infrastructure in place in Michigan."
The new fuel tax will be just one of the funding mechanisms the governor will ask the Legislature to adopt. Governor Snyder will also call for better mass transit systems, fixing old and failing sewers, and making high-speed internet more widely available as part of his plan for a 21st Century infrastructure system.
© Copyright 2010, MPRN
