Rep. Jim Lilly today said the Michigan Legislature can’t allow Gov. Whitmer’s insistence on a massive gas tax hike to jeopardize increased funding schools are expecting in the state budget year that begins Oct. 1.

Whitmer is sticking with her plan to raise the gas tax by a whopping 45 cents per gallon – even though residents don’t want it and can’t afford it. Lilly said the debate over long-term road funding should not hold up final approval of the next state budget, which under a House-approved plan would boost the state’s minimum per-pupil foundation grant by $180. Overall support for K-12 schools would increase by more than $200 million to raise total investment above $15 billion a year.

“Our schools are counting on a funding increase like those Republicans have delivered on in the past, and like one the House approved back in June,” said Lilly, of Park Township. “They need and deserve to know it’s coming. A continuation budget where funding stays the same doesn’t help schools with their planning – in fact, it hurts them.

“There’s simply no reason for the governor to hijack the entire budget while we continue to talk about a long-term solution for roads. Her 45-cent gas tax increase simply isn’t going to happen. Let’s finish the budget and help our schools while we continue to talk about roads.”

The House has approved a roads funding proposal that would add more than $800 million a year to repairs without a tax increase. Whitmer has rejected this plan and several other options proposed by the Legislature. She’s instead pushing for a fuel tax hike that would raise costs for drivers by $6 to $10 for every fill-up.

#####