LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A dream team of former state leaders and lawmakers, most of whom have term-limited out of the legislature have joined a bi-partisan think-tank that plans to weigh in on the big issues.
The Bipartisan Michigan Consensus Policy Project Co-chaired by Ken Sikkema and Bob Emmerson have tackled funding the roads as their first initiative.
Their proposal is to gradually raise the gas tax from 47-cents per gallon to just over 73-cents over the next decade.
They would raise it 7-cents next year and a nickel each year after that to generate the revenue required.
Co-Chair Bob Emerson says that will raise the $2.7-billion needed annually to properly care for the roads.
Senate Leader Mike Shirkey says it would give Michigan the highest gas tax in the nation and still not solve their problem, as cars become more fuel efficient, or don’t rely on gas at all. That’s the reason they have a problem now.
The membership of the group is full of former speakers and leaders, and even a Lt. Governor, and they plan to offer solutions to other problems.
(copy written by John McNeill)
