LANSING – Democratic state representatives called on legislative Republicans to return to the Capitol so they can work on a plan to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads. Republicans adjourned the state House and Senate last week for summer break without a plan in place.
“When Republicans left Lansing last week, they left on roads that were torn up and crossed bridges that were in disrepair,” Rep. Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge) said. “They know how dangerous these roads are for everyone who uses them, and it should be that motivation that gets them back to Lansing to work out a plan.”
The original package would have kickstarted Michigan’s efforts to repair sadly dilapidated and dangerous roads. House Democrats were supportive of a bipartisan first step to a plan.
“The only way something could get done is if we reached across the aisle and worked in a bipartisan manner to help fund our roads,” Rep. Tom Cochran (D-Mason) said. “Unfortunately, Republican leaders felt that nothing could be done, and instead walked away to let the condition of our roads and bridges worsen.”
Republicans failed to come up with solutions to problems such as overweight commercial trucks causing damage to roads across the state, refusing to make them pay their fair share, while they have consistently raised taxes and fees on the working class families of Michigan.
“Even with the governor’s office, the House and the Senate in Republican control, the Republicans themselves failed to make any progress toward funding our roads,” Rep. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) said. “They can make life difficult for middle-class families and seniors day in and day out, but when it comes to actually fixing a problem, legislative Republicans can only turn their backs and rush out for their summer vacation.”
Democrats were in favor of remaining in Lansing to work on the road funding issue, but they were outvoted by Republicans.
“Michigan families and small businesses – all of whom depend on solid transportation infrastructure – deserve better than this,” Rep. Andy Schor (D-Lansing) said. “As Lansing is my home, I’m inviting every legislator back to the Capitol so we can work on a plan together to help fix Michigan’s roads and bridges.”