One of the plans to raise the $1.2 billion
Governor Snyder and others advocate is necessary for increased road and
infrastructure funding in Michigan that has received the most airtime in recent
days is the possibility of increasing Michigan’s Sales Tax rate from 6 percent
to 7 percent. Under one iteration, the new revenue would be earmarked directly
to road funding. Under another, the existing sales tax collected on gasoline
would be moved to fund roads and the new revenue from the increased percentage
point would go to education.
Under either plan though, in order to have
the potential for a Sales Tax rate increase on the May 2013 ballot, the Senate
would have had to act on the measure no later than Thursday, March 7th.
The required action did not take place.
The next regularly scheduled election is not
until the August 2014 Primary; placing the issue in front of Michigan voters on
a statewide special ballot would cost an estimated $10 million.
Legislative leaders have indicated their
desire and hope that the road and infrastructure funding issue can be resolved
by the 4th of July.