KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — State Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker remains optimistic that a package to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads will be signed by the governor in the not-too-distant future.
The Republican from Lawton views passage of Senate and House packages as positives, despite both plans stalling.
“We’re getting closer, so that’s the good news out there,” Schuitmaker said. “We will have a roads solution by Christmas.”
House Republicans were calling for $600 million from the general fund, $400 million from increased vehicle registration fees and $200 million from a gas tax increase.
Schuitmaker couldn’t support that.
“Registration fees with a 40 percent increase would really hurt seniors and working families,” she said.
Schuitmaker said legislators need to make deeper budget cuts before passing road repair costs onto state residents.
– Anthony Pollreisz
