LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Lawmakers looking to spend at least $1.2 billion more a year to improve Michigan roads find themselves in a familiar spot — with competing plans.
The good news is the House and Senate are a little closer together on a road-funding solution than when they compromised on what proved to be a doomed ballot proposal. The bad news is legislators still have major differences.
House Republicans have approved smaller fuel tax hikes to generate an extra $117 million annually in a few years. Senate Republicans have backed larger gasoline and diesel tax increases to collect $775 million more a year.
The chambers propose shifting general funds to roads but differ on how much. They also are at odds on economic development cuts and eliminating a tax credit for lower-wage workers.
