A 1-cent sales tax increase is the best way to address Michigan’s “embarrassing” roads, MAC Deputy Director Steve Currie told the audience of “The Big Show” on Wednesday.

Currie, continuing MAC’s push to get action on the state’s crumbling road network, explained that MAC’s Board of Directors had reviewed the situation nearly a year ago and determined that a 1-cent sales tax – a penny for a road, if you will – is the best available option.

Unlike other proposed fixes, the sales tax increase will consistently generate the substantial sums Michigan needs – and it requires a statewide vote of the people.

“Let the people decide,” Currie told guest host Kyle Melinn of MIRS News Service.

Currie also noted that the state is working at cross purposes if it continues to attract visitors via the highly successful Pure Michigan ad campaign, but then confronts said guests with crummy roads to travel on.

 

In an extensive interview with Gongwer News Service Monday, MAC Deputy Director Steve Currie said that recent events boost the idea of having voters approve a 1-cent sales tax increase to rescue Michigan’s crumbling roads.

“Mr. Currie said following the severe winter that wreaked massive damage to the roads, the flooding that struck the Detroit area and the approval of the local tax proposals, the public seems ready to accept a tax increase to deal with roads,” Gongwer reported.

“Increasing taxes on fuel seems a long-term losing proposition since drivers are trying to use less fuel, Mr. Currie said.

“He said the group’s members support the proposed increase and the time seems opportune to encourage public support for a proposed sales tax increase.”

MAC made increased road funding via a sales-tax increase as one of its 2014 legislative priorities and the MAC Legislative Team is readying for a strong push for action in September.

MAC members can review the 2014 priorities and stay up-to-date on all legislative events in Lansing by accessing the members-only section of the MAC website.

An array of county commissioners found favor with the voters in their bids to become members of the next Michigan Legislature. Among notable races tracked by MAC: 19^th House District: Laura Cox of Wayne County won the Republican nomination easily and will face Stacey Dogonski in the general election. 38^th House District: Kathy Crawford of Oakland County won the Republican nomination and will face Jason Catanzaro in the fall. 44^th House District: Jim Runestad of Oakland County won the GOP nod in a closely watched race and will face Mark Venie in the fall. 56^th House District: Jason Sheppard of Monroe County won the Republican nomination and will face Tom Redmond in the general. 61^st House District: Brandt Iden of Kalamazoo County won the Republican nomination and will face John Fisher in the general election. 62^nd House District: Terris Todd of Calhoun County won a squeaker for the Democratic nomination and will face John Bizon in the general. 63^rd House District: Dave Maturen of Kalamazoo County won the Republican nod in this district that spreads across Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. 104^th House District: Larry Inman of Grand Traverse County emerged with a narrow victory from an eight-candidate GOP field to advance to the general election.

Projected revenues for FY 2014 – 2015 are anticipated to be $253.2 million less revenue than originally anticipated.  This projection is what the legislature and administration will use to determine target numbers for the various budgets for the coming year.  As most of you are aware, the governor, along with the House and Senate have recommended full funding for county revenue sharing.  It is critical that you contact your representative and senators and ask them to keep full funding for counties when determining appropriation line items for the upcoming budget.  Attached are talking points for your use.  Please contact MAC is you have any questions and if you are successful in contacting your legislators.

Revenue Sharing TP.FY15 [pdf]

You can also find these on the MAC website: micounties.org

Writing a letter to the local newspaper is an excellent way to show your support for Michigan Citizens for Strong and Safe Communities. Letters to the editor attract a significant reading audience, particularly if the letters are timely and informative. Letters can be submitted to the editor via email or by using your local newspaper’s online submission form. Writing a letter to the editor Generally, letters to the editor should not exceed 150 words. Given the brevity of a letter to the editor, it’s wise to keep it tightly focused. Letters should be written to reach a broad cross-section of the community. Be emphatic in making your point – but be civil! How to submit a letter

1. Pick up a copy of your local newspaper or go to your local newspaper’s website and look for the “Opinion” or “Op-Ed” section, where letters are typically printed.
2. Look for other letters to the editor – typically, there will be an email address (in the print edition) or a link to an online form (on a newspaper website) to submit a letter to the editor. Make sure to look for any special guidelines the newspaper you’re submitting to might have (e.g. a special word count).
3. If you have any questions, call your local newspaper and ask for the opinion editor – or contact the campaign communications team at Truscott Rossman at info@strongandsafecommunities.com.

NOTE: Please make sure to include a working phone number (preferably a cell phone) with your submitted letter. Most newspapers will call you just to confirm you actually submitted a letter prior to publication. Here are a few sample letters for your use: Sample Letters to the Editor