Legislator says work needed on local infrastructure, licensures

State Rep. Greg Alexander today said that while House Republicans have introduced real plans over the last few months to address priorities of people across the state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address continued to miss the mark on responsible governing and keeping taxes lower for workers and families.

Alexander said one area where this difference was clear was roads. While the overall dollar amount the governor wants to put towards a new road funding plan is now closer to an existing House Republican plan, the governor has set the stage for additional taxes in order to raise the revenue necessary to get to the total number. The House Republican plan would provide $3.145 billion to roads each year without relying on any new taxes or taking on additional debt.

“I appreciate that the governor wants to talk fixing roads, but she has promised to fix the roads for years with limited results and a focus on large, state-owned highways,” said Alexander, of Carsonvillle. “Local road agencies throughout our region and the state need resources to repair the roads people use every day from driveway to highway. The governor’s budget proposal is over $80 billion. The money is there and House Republicans have put concrete solutions forward. We don’t need additional taxes. The governor and Democrats in the Senate need to help pave the way so we can get it done.”

Alexander said he was pleased to see the governor in agreement on the state’s broken permitting processes and noted that it is critical that Michigan be able to accept occupational licensing from other states.

“Our current system leads to higher prices, slower construction and fewer jobs,” Alexander said. “Unfortunately, the state budget for the current fiscal year included more than 80 fee increases and sunset extensions that drive up costs, slow development and stifle growth. We’re constantly competing with other states for workers and jobs, while trying to retain those currently in Michigan. We need responsible laws that understand the importance of this balance.”