Are You Willing To Pay More To Fix The Roads?

On Monday, WLNS featured a story telling us that nearly two-thirds of Mid-Michigan residents are willing to pay more in taxes for road funding; and that nearly 50 percent of those polled have had damage, or know somebody who's had damage to their vehicle from terrible roads this spring.

Today, mlive.com reports that the topic is just as hot with state lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) is diligently working on a plan to increase long-term road funding by nearly $1.5 billion. The House has already approved a package that would replace the state's current gasoline and diesel tax structure to one that fluctuates with inflation, increasing funding by approximately $450 million. But, apparently, some in the Senate want more. And, it's still likely not enough.

We've heard talks about toll roads in recent weeks. That idea was shot down. Likely, it was too costly to invest in initially, and also, likely, is too big of a logistical challenge, in terms of the state's current infrastructure. We know that the winter took a big toll on already crumbling roadways. And, we know that there are thousands of highly traveled bridges in Michigan in desperate need of reinforcement. I say yes to both of these forthcoming questions, but, I ask you. Are you willing to pay more in taxes to fix the roads? Do you feel that the subject of road funding is actually a worthwhile discussion, in terms of how it will affect your pocketbook?