This week the House of Representatives spent a majority of their time amending and passing budget bills. The legislature has yet to come to an agreement on how to raise the $1.2 billion in new funding that Governor Snyder has requested for roads. Representative Pat Summerville was able to pass an amendment to the transportation budget that would add an addition $50 million in general fund money this year and up to an additional $150 million at the end of this fiscal year.

The Senate has yet to vote on the Transportation budget they are proposing, but they could do that as soon as next week. As of today the indication is that the Senate budget will not include the $1.2 billion the Governor is requesting. The debate over new funding will be continuing for the foreseeable future and the League will be continuing its efforts to help in that process with the goal of returning more money to local communities.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate with the League handling transportation issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.