Kalamazoo Times

Speaker of the House Matt Hall has revealed a revised plan to fund roads with more than $3.1 billion in annual revenue without the need to increase taxes. Initially proposed as a $2.7 billion plan in November, the new strategy, which now encompasses $3.145 billion, aims to focus primarily on improving local roads.

The initial proposal earmarked $1.7 billion from Corporate Income Tax revenues. Following a comprehensive review, the amount has been increased to $2.2 billion, and specific allocations have been clarified.

Speaker Hall detailed how the $3.145 billion would be sourced: $2.2 billion will come from several adjustments, including $500 million from eliminating MEGA credits, $500 million from curbing legislative earmarks, $600 million from unexpected higher tax returns, $500 million previously allocated to the corporate attraction fund (SOAR) which sunsets next year, $50 million from a corporate placemaking fund (RAP), and $50 million from a community development fund (HCDF).

Furthermore, $945 million is dedicated from taxing revenues previously applied at the pump. The plan suggests replacing the sales tax on gas with a revenue-neutral motor fuel tax, ensuring more funds go directly to road repair. Drivers are expected to experience no noticeable change at the pump.

An additional $700 million is dedicated to ensure school funding remains unaffected by these changes. Local roads, neglected for some time, receive increased focus under this scheme. Hall assures that there will be no new taxes or bonds that increase long-term taxpayer debt.

"Ensuring value for taxpayer dollars is important to the people we represent, and our priorities reflect that by targeting inefficiencies and waste," Hall emphasized. "Roads and infrastructure are top priorities, and our budget choices should reflect that. We are committed to restoring trust in government through smart, transparent reforms that prioritize the well-being of every citizen."

He reiterated his leadership vision, stating that this detailed road plan presents achievable results for Michigan residents.