Michigan's road funding battle stalls

Governor ran on promise to mix Michigan roads

LANSING, Mich. – Here we go again.

The roads are crumbling and once again it doesn't appear Lansing will come together with a real solution on how to fix the mess.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put the blame on Republicans Monday.

"It is abundantly clear to me that there are some that don't want to put real solutions for roads on the table and be serious about this. It's not fun to be the adult in the room sometimes, but the fact of the matter is that we've got important work to do to keep the state of Michigan open and running," said Whitmer.

The governor ran for office on a plan to fix the roads. Whitmer offered up her solution, a 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase.

Republicans showed little interest. Now with the budget clock ticking, both sides scrap roads in order to get the budget done. 

GOP State Sen. Peter Lucido says he was never in for the gas tax. He says the gas tax never got traction.

Insiders say the governor knew she didn't have the support for the gas tax but decided to stop the debate for now in order to get the budget done.

Now many are questioning whether this is a defeat for the governor.


About the Author

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

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