KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Rep. Jon Hoadley of Kalamazoo expects discussions to restart this week on a funding package to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads.
There is agreement that legislators must find $1.2 billion. However, Republicans and Democrats continue to spar over how to raise that money.
Hoadley, who appeared on Kalamazoo’s Morning News on WKZO-AM on Tuesday, said Republicans want across-the-board income tax cuts coupled with gas tax and vehicle registration fee hikes.
“If we cut the income tax, most people in Michigan will end up paying $20 or $40 more to fix the roads,” Hoadley said of the Republican plan. “But, if you make more than $392,000, you’ll get your roads fixed and you’ll get nearly $3,000 off your tax bill.”
Hoadley claims that move isn’t fair to the middle class and would reduce funding for education and public safety.
However, Republicans say the cuts were never a problem with Democrats until last week.
Both sides called for the cooling-off period last Tuesday after reaching the impasse.
– Anthony Pollreisz
