State estimates indicate that the tax hike would cost the average Michigan family an additional $25 per year. The burden appears even less severe considering that Michigan's gas-tax rate is presently among the six lowest in the country.
However, in the present political climate, most citizens expect tax breaks rather than increases. Many state representatives, specifically Republicans, feel pressured to satisfy these expectations because many of their campaigns were based on the endorsement of tax relief. These officials are therefore hesitant to support the legislation. Nevertheless, the Michigan legislature must recognize that Engler has a stake in keeping taxes low, but is compromising his ideals because road problems are so serious. Engler takes a bold step in opposing party traditions to do what is most beneficial to the people of Michigan. State legislators must similarly ignore party ideals to bring about necessary improvements in road conditions.
An essential piece of Engler's plan is transferring road-care responsibility from the local to the state level. A state-run road-maintenance plan would enhance the focus of the road-maintenance efforts that occur across the state. At the same time, the state's Department of Transportation saw a decrease in size in recent years under Engler's administration. The small department is unable to handle the additional roads. Engler's plan to transfer control of many locally managed roads will not work unless he also increases the ability of the department to handle those roads.
The institution of a gas tax must be accompanied by other fundraising aspects of Engler's plan for overall road reform to be a success. The additional tax revenue serves as one component of the extensive arrangement that is expected to include an increase in truck licensing fees - a good idea, as large trucks often cause a great deal of the damage to state roads. Engler's plan also relies on an additional $200 million in federal funding - a lofty goal that is uncertain at best. Alternative funding sources are necessary as the plan is too dependent on federal support. If the supplementary proposals are not enacted, the extra gas tax taken from state drivers will not bring improved road conditions to all areas. The complete plan requires $570 million per year and would map out state road maintenance past the turn of the century.
The state representatives have already waited too long to address this critical issue. Rejecting the gas tax would allow roads to deteriorate further, with no practical solution in sight. Funds must be raised immediately to ensure that roads soon receive the repair they need. The longer officials take to agree upon a resolution, the more expensive road repair will become for state residents.