A plan in Lansing to cut the state’s gas tax to ease prices at the gas pump has passed the state House and is expected to be taken up next week in the Senate. Many drivers are saying, “Great!” However, some lawmakers are saying, “Wait a minute,” and they’re not alone. Craig Bryson is spokesperson for the Road Commission for Oakland County, where there is concern over loss of funds to fix roads. He spoke to Michigan News Network about the idea of suspending the gas tax.
“We don’t think it’s a good situation,” Bryson said. “We understand the frustration of motorists. Absolutely. We’re all driving personal vehicles as well. We’re all paying more at the pumps as well. But we don’t think this is a solution. We think this is a temporary, fell good thing that doesn’t really accomplish much.”
Bryson says officials with the Road Commission for Oakland County are actively opposing the Republican plan. Backers point out it would only be for six months, and any loss in revenue from a suspension of the 27¢ a gallon tax could be “backfilled” with money from the state’s Rainy Day Fund and federal dollars.
