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Wakeman: Budget stalemate due to governor’s insistence on higher taxes for Michigan drivers
RELEASE|August 30, 2019

State Rep. Rodney Wakeman today reiterated his support for a budget plan approved by the Michigan House that provides record road and school funding without a tax increase.

Wakeman, of Saginaw Township, said it is inappropriate for Gov. Whitmer to blame Republicans in the Michigan Legislature for a stalemate in state budget talks.

“The Legislature has presented multiple, viable road funding options that don’t ask drivers for more of their hard-earned money at the pump, yet the governor remains very insistent on her own plan that would tax Michigan families between $6 to $10 each time they fill up,” Wakeman said. “The ongoing budget stalemate isn’t because of the unwillingness of the Legislature to work with the governor, it’s because Gov. Whitmer won’t back down from saddling drivers with the highest gas taxes in the nation.”

Wakeman noted the budget plan approved by the House in June adds more than $800 million a year to road repairs and $226 million in additional K-12 school foundation grant funding without a tax increase.

The House plan boosts the state’s minimum per-pupil foundation grant by $180. Most districts would get that increase, and every district would get at least $90 more per student.

“The governor’s misleading comments about the Legislature cutting school funding is simply not true,” Wakeman said. “The House plan provides record funding for both schools and roads. All we are stating is that it’s unreasonable to even suggest forcing the people of Michigan to accept a gas tax that would negatively impact several industries in Saginaw County, especially tourism. We all want better roads and greater investments in education for our children, and the House-approved state funding proposal proves we can do it without an outlandish tax that would ultimately devastate our communities.”

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

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