MACKINAC ISLAND, MI (AP)-- Governor Rick Snyder says he remains optimistic about persuading legislators to raise money for Michigan's roads and bridges, but acknowledges the window of opportunity may begin closing in the next few months.
In an interview Thursday with The Associated Press during a conference on Mackinac Island, Snyder said there's a "fair potential" for compromise on the issue. He says it's politically distasteful for both parties to raise taxes.
The Republican governor's call for $1.2 billion in gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees is stalled in the Legislature. Lawmakers are considering using one-time budget surplus funds for roads.
Snyder says improving roads and bridges is essential for the economy. But he says if the matter remains hung up by early fall, it probably will be postponed until after the 2014 election.
