By: State Rep. Pauline Wendzel

During my first term, House Republicans proposed a commonsense plan to create a long-term solution for fixing Michigan’s roads. Our approach would have directed every penny paid at the pump toward local roads and bridges—not wasteful pet projects buried in the state budget. Unfortunately, the governor rejected our plan, instead pushing for a massive $0.45-per-gallon gas tax increase. That proposal was a nonstarter for the people of Michigan and the Republican caucus.

Rather than work with House and Senate Republicans on a bipartisan solution, the governor decided to go it alone. She borrowed billions of dollars to focus on state truck lines, leaving local roads and bridges to crumble further. Now, with those funds expiring, Michigan’s local roads are in even worse shape than before.

This past term, Democrats held full control of state government but failed to offer any long-term solution to fix our crumbling roads. For two years, they refused to collaborate with Republicans or take meaningful action. That failure to lead is why our incoming House Republican majority is stepping up, proving that we’re ready to govern on Day 1.

Our plan reserves $2.7 billion annually for road and bridge repairs—without raising taxes. Here’s how:

• $1.2 billion in corporate income tax revenue will be immediately redirected to infrastructure.
• $600 million in additional funding will be added in 2026, previously destined for a failed corporate welfare fund.
• Every cent of state gas tax revenue will finally go where it belongs—toward fixing roads—adding nearly $1 billion more.

Michigan’s budget has grown from $58 billion in 2018 to over $83 billion this year. The money is there. It’s time to invest in local communities without asking taxpayers to sacrifice more of their hard-earned dollars. House Republicans have introduced a commonsense plan that is straightforward, solves the problem, and respectful of your paycheck. It’s time to take action and deliver for our residents and local communities.