LANSING, MI (AP)-- The Republican-led Michigan Senate has approved a 15-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax increase phased in over three years after Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley broke a 19-19 tie.
Eighteen Republicans and one Democrat voted for the bill Wednesday. Ten Democrats and nine Republicans opposed it.
It's a major piece of a $1.5 billion road-funding plan being approved by the Senate. Other bills would redirect $700 million in general funds a year toward roads and trigger income tax cuts if the general funds grows by more than inflation.
The Republican-controlled House three weeks ago passed a plan that largely avoids big fuel tax increases. Gov. Rick Snyder, the House and Senate will next try to negotiate a compromise in coming months.