LANSING – After walking off the job to take a three-month vacation last week, House Republicans are being invited to return to the state Capitol to finish the task of finding a road funding solution that will fix Michigan’s dangerous roads and bridges.
“Michiganders are angry that they have to drive on some of the worst roads in the country just to get to work each morning while their elected leaders take an extended, paid summer vacation,” House Democratic LeaderTim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) said. “For Republican legislators to vote to adjourn for the summer without a road funding solution wasn’t just irresponsible, it was unacceptable. I invite legislative Republicans to correct their mistake and join us in Lansing until we find a way to fund road repairs, because Michigan’s leaders should work as hard as the people who voted them into office.”
Even though Republicans hold the governor’s office, a majority in the House and a supermajority in the Senate, they were unable to devise a plan to fund Michigan’s past-due road repairs. Instead of staying to find a solution, House Republicans voted to adjourn last week over the objections of House Democrats, who are ready to come back to the state Capitol at any time to finish the task.
“Michigan’s infrastructure is in a state of crisis, and when a crisis arises, real leaders don’t turn and walk away,” Rep. Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak) said. “I’m ready to dodge potholes every day on my way into Lansing until we find a way to fund these road repairs. I urge legislative Republicans to do the same, so that we can roll up our sleeves, get to work and get the job done.”