As state budget negotiations continue, Rep. Jason Wentworth, of Clare, today reiterated the need for improving Michigan roads without forcing residents to pay Gov. Whitmer’s proposed 45-cent per gallon gas tax increase.

“The governor started off proposing a 45-cent per gallon gas tax hike and she hasn’t backed off it at all – even though it’s clear Michigan residents don’t want it,” Wentworth said. “Over the summer, Michigan lawmakers presented the governor with several different proposals. While she’s clung to her $2.5 billion tax hike for Michigan drivers, we have met with her on these plans to engage her feedback and support. The fact is, we could move forward with a proposal without her, but we are not because of our commitment to a bipartisan process. If she’s serious about fulfilling her number one campaign promise, she either needs to propose a realistic plan or at least consider these alternatives.

“We will work as hard as we can to avoid a stalemate in budget negotiations but the fact remains the governor continues to lobby for the highest gas taxes in the nation.  That’s a non-starter. It’s unreasonable to discuss a massive gas tax increase until every tax dollar paid at the pump goes to road repairs.”

Wentworth noted the budget plan approved by the House in June adds more than $800 million a year to road repairs without a tax increase and without harming school funding in any way.

“Our plan provides record-high school funding, topping $15 billion overall,” Wentworth said. “Any claim that our plan hurts school funding simply ignores the math – and reality.”

The House budget plan directs the equivalent of the general sales tax motorists already pay at the pump directly to road repairs. Lawmakers also approved increasing the state’s minimum per-pupil foundation allowance by $180, covering a majority of Michigan school districts. All districts statewide would receive at least $90 more per student as part of a $226 million increase in the K-12 budget.

Provisions in the Michigan Constitution require action on a state budget before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

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