House Republicans’ Plan Shows Massive Increase in New Revenue for Roads

According to anonymous sources, the House Republicans are constructing a new transportation-funding package, which would include $600 million in new revenue, as well as $600 million in spending cuts. The plan, which does not have specific details yet, will hopefully see a vote next week as the House returns to session; however, the 55 votes needed to pass the package have yet to be secured.

The $600 million in new revenue is a drastic increase from the plan previously approved by the House Republicans. According to the House Fiscal Agency, the prior plan had only $38.2 million in new revenue in the first year and capped at $119.1 million after four years. The new package would also bring the chamber significantly closer to the Senate passed bill of $800 million in new revenue through a gasoline tax increase.

When asked about specifics of the new package, the spokespersons for Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof (R-West Olive) and Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter (R-Mount Pleasant) stated that while talks were progressing, no specifics have been laid out at this point. The idea of raising new revenue to the proposed level seems to have the support of some Republican lawmakers. Representative Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle), House Transportation Committee Chair, said that lawmakers are ready to consider new revenue and constituents are willing to pay more for direct transportation funding.

When asked about the possibility of a vote when the House returns to session next week both Representative Pettalia and Representative Harvey Santana (D-Detroit) said that while no detailed plan has been laid out for discussion, it is possible a vote could take place on the floor within the next week.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 14, 2015 12:50 PM
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