LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Remember when Gretchen Whitmer roared onto the scene with her “Fix the Damn Roads” battle cry? Fast forward to 2024, and the roads are still a patchwork quilt of potholes, but now, Michigan Democrats have a new plan: take even more money from your wallet.

Their latest “solutions” during the state’s lame duck period include a 19-cent gas tax hike, slapping another $100 onto vehicle registration fees, and throwing in toll roads for good measure. The legislation was referred to the Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure.

Gas tax hikes: the never-ending story.

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Let’s talk numbers. Michigan drivers already cough up 69.4 cents per gallon in taxes (30¢ to the state, 18.4¢ to the feds and 21¢ state sales tax.) That’s one of the highest rates in the country. But that is apparently not enough for Michigan democrats who want 19¢ more.

What about toll roads?

If toll roads are put in place, the proposed “Michigan tolling authority” would be tasked with setting rates and enforcement. Translation: another bureaucratic black hole with all the efficiency of rush hour on I-75. And once they’re in place, they won’t go away, with higher and higher fees surely to come over the years.

Where’s all the money going?

Michigan’s road funding is on a collision course with disaster as 2026 approaches. Federal infrastructure dollars are set to dry up, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s debt-backed state highway spending spree will come to an end. When the money runs out, road projects will grind to a halt, road workers will be left idle, and crumbling infrastructure will continue its downward spiral. Local roads, already neglected in the state’s borrowing plan, face an even bleaker future as funding challenges deepen in the years ahead.

With an annual shortfall of about $3.9 billion already, Whitmer’s promise to “fix the dam roads” has resulted in the optics of seeing a lot of orange cones around the state but it doesn’t seem like the roads are ever actually fixed.

Instead, we’re treading water while Lansing debates whether the gas tax or toll roads will do the least political damage. Lawmakers have even, in the past, come up with a pay-per-mile idea (also called a mileage tax or road usage charge). However, their recent August report on the issue shows that a Road Usage Charge (RUC) was opposed by a a notable proportion of those surveyed with many concerned about data privacy and noting skepticism about actual road quality improvements.

Republicans offer a different path.

Meanwhile, Republicans are pitching a $2.7 billion annual plan that reallocates corporate tax revenue to road funding. Rep. Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) says, “Everyone says they want to fix the roads when the cameras are on, but nobody has taken any real steps to do it these past two years. The people are sick and tired of inaction and empty words. That’s why House Republicans are taking over in the state House. We are ready to get to work and actually get things done…”

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However, educators have criticized the Republican plan, which partially relies on redirecting the sales tax revenue from gasoline – funds that primarily support schools.

The road ahead.

So, while politicians squabble, Michiganders are left swerving around potholes, paying more at the pump, and wondering why Lansing’s grand plan is just more tax hikes dressed up as “solutions.”