AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — We all know Michigan’s roads are in dire shape. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Michigan a D-plus grade for infrastructure in 2018 because the vast majority of our roads are in poor or fair condition and it is getting worse.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaigned with the promise she would quote, “fix the damn roads. “
WXYZ caught up with Whitmer as she toured Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills to learn more about what they are doing to prepare students for high demand jobs. She was there because during her state of the state she said she would push for tuition free community college to help both students and businesses in Michigan. She also talked about the hot topic that got her elected: fixing the roads.
“One of the things I wanted to make sure I did in the state of the state was to ensure that everyone understands the magnitude of the problem, that when we pay hundreds every year that is a road tax,” Whitmer said.
The big question on everyone’s mind is: how? One thing is clear. It is going to cost billions. WXYZ asked the governor if there is anyway to do it without raising taxes.
“I think even the Republicans yesterday said in their press conference they understand we need to make a greater investment to fix our roads,” said Whitmer.
It seems the governor is not yet answering how she will fix these roads because she is figuratively in a political card game. Republicans still control both the State House and Senate. Playing her cards too early, before she has bi-partisan support in hand, could cost her big time.
“As I craft the budget I am going to be reaching out to our allies in the business community and across the aisle because we got to get it done,” Whitmer said.
As for when you will find out more details, Whitmer says she plans to have something worked out when she presents the state budget in March.
