MONROE — State Representative Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe) welcomes the legislative action taken by the Michigan Legislature on road funding.
“I don’t think this is the perfect solution, but everyone knows how critical it is that we take steps to repair Michigan’s infrastructure. The key was to work together across the aisle and agree on a plan that can work for Michigan,” said LaVoy.
The success of the road funding plan hinges on voter approval of a ballot proposal May 2015 that would raise the sales tax by 1 percent. If the voters choose to pass the proposal, the entirety of the road plan would take effect. Some facts about road funding plan:
• Raises $1.3 billion over four years by eliminating sales tax on gas and moving to a tax on gas based upon the whole sale price, all of which would go directly to road funding.
• Gives an additional $300 million to the School Aid Fund.
• Restores the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 20 percent of the federal level.
• Adds $40 million for at-risk schools.
• Increases funding for local governments by $94 million.
• Provides additional funding for mass transit.
“Finding a plan that adequately funds roads, while preserving education and local government funding, has been one of my top priorities,” LaVoy said