When it comes to spending on roads, Michigan lags behind its neighbors.
Earlier this year, the Associated Press looked at how much states spend on roads. The numbers show how far Michigan lags behind.
From Matt Vande Bunte of MLive:
The Associated Press analysis shows Michigan ranks 50 out of 51 in per-capita road spending at $305 in 2013, the most recent year numbers are available. Only Georgia spends less at $268 per resident. In the Midwest, Indiana spends $430, Illinois $443, Ohio $512, Minnesota $524 and Wisconsin $535 per capita.
Here's how Michigan stacks up against its neighbors (You can look at all the data here.):
The Associated Press cites stagnating federal gas tax revenues as one reason states are struggling to keep up with road maintenance.
Gasoline tax revenue has grown little since 2007, as vehicles have become more fuel-efficient and people cut back on driving. To compensate, lawmakers in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Wyoming passed gasoline tax increases during the past two years. But about half the states have not raised their gasoline taxes in at least a decade, and the federal gas tax has remained at 18.4 cents a gallon since 1993. In Congress, Republican leaders have said there aren't enough votes to pass a gas tax hike. Many states are now considering alternatives.
Michigan's gas tax has remained at 19 cents a gallon since 1997.
Voters will decide whether to change how fuel is taxed this Tuesday, May 5.
If the polls are correct, there aren't enough votes to pass a gas tax hike in Michigan either.
