In her campaign for the Governor’s office in Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer referred to the conditions of Michigan roads as needing a lot of fixing. It has been estimated by many that it will take an additional $2.5 billion annually in revenue to fix the state’s roads and infrastructure. In a joint statement with Senator Mike Shirkey and Representative Lee Chatfield on Monday, Governor Whiter said they have all agreed to continue conversations about road funding in a meaningful way and have tabled all associated issues for the time being. They said the number one priority is getting a budget passed. Whitmer had indicated previously that there would be no budget deal, until the road funding was settled. It is still unclear if Whitmer’s 45 cents a gallon tax will be an option going forward. The three have agreed that the best course of action is to immediately begin target-setting with legislative and executive leadership to get a budget passed by October 1st.
