State Rep. Phil Green today voiced his concern over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed 45-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase that distributes revenue for road repairs based on usage and ‘economic importance.’

“In this state, weather treats both rural and urban roads harshly,” said Green, of Millington. “As I understand it, this plan means that rural areas pay a steep price at the pump like any other part of the state, then provides them with little to no road work compared to other parts of the state.”

The gas tax would be the highest of any state in the country and implemented in three increments, beginning in October of this year and reaching the full 45-cent increase amount by October of 2020. The current gas tax rate is 26.3-cents per gallon.

“There is no dispute that something needs to be done to fix Michigan’s roads.  However, residents in rural areas are no less deserving of having their potholes fixed and their roads rebuilt than residents in more urban communities nor should they bear a disproportional burden in fixing roads elsewhere.  We need to find a more creative and fiscally effective solution to fix roads across the state.”

Green, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, is in his first term in the Michigan House representing residents in Huron and Tuscola counties.