(MPRN-Lansing) There’s no road funding deal to speak of as state representatives leave Lansing for the week. That means a vote on any plan will have to wait until next week – and possibly until the fall.
It appears Republicans in the state House remain divided on whether a gas tax increase should be part of any plan to boost road funding. House Tax Policy Chair Jeff Farrington says that means the plan will have to be bipartisan.
“Does that mean we’re just going to drop it in (Democrats’) lap and they have to vote yes? No,” said Farrington. “I expect those conversations with Democrats to ramp up – they have this week and I think they will continue to.” “Logically, it’s the direction you have to go to find a solution.”
Farrington says he’s still optimistic a deal will get done.
“I think there’s a chance it can be done this summer. In the five years I’ve been here, I’ve never seen an issue with as much focus and determination as this one.”
Democrats released their own $1.2 billion road funding plan this week. It relies mostly on raising taxes on corporations. The state House is scheduled to meet one day next week before taking a three-week break.