Failure of Proposal 1: Michigan Roads Still in Disrepair

The result is in for the May 5th, 2015 Michigan vote on the controversial Proposal 1. The purpose of the vote was to make a decision on the proposal aimed to raise money to fix the dangerous Michigan roads and the potholes which commonly lead to Michigan car accidents. The Proposal, according to the House Fiscal Agency, included one constitutional amendment and 10 statutes. All in all, the proposal, if passed would have created $1.9 billion dollars once fully implemented in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Specifically, this would equate to $116.1 million for public transportation, $200 million for the School Aid Fund, $111.1 million for cities, and $173 million for Michigan’s General Fund.
 
Prior to the election, a poll conducted by Lansing’s EPIC-MRA on January 29, 2015 discovered that 46% of the people they surveyed would vote “yes” on Proposal 1 and 41% would vote “no”. Though after hearing more details on the Proposal, 47% said “yes” and only 38% said “no”. This change may be attributed to the fact that Michiganders are big proponents of road improvement. Most policy makers and media outlets thought in the same vein that Michigan voters would vote “yes” on anything that would fix Michigan roads. Alas, the terrible Michigan roads will not see any change due to Proposal 1.
 
However, citizens and drivers in Michigan shouldn’t be disappointed yet. There are still several other plans that may go into effect in Proposal 1’s place. The Michigan legislature is back to the drawing board.

One such alternative plan was the previously proposed by Governor Snyder Plan. Governor Snyder’s plan was actually already a part of Proposal 1. In 2013, Snyder proposed raising fuel taxes and vehicle registration taxes in an effort to create an extra $1.2 billion for road funding. Specifically, the 19 cent regular fuel and 15 cent diesel fuel tax were to be raised to 33 cents a gallon and Michigan vehicle registration fees for cars and light trucks was to be raised by 60%. It seems that any plans to raise money, including Snyder’s plan, require some kind of tax raise. So, while Michigan voters didn't vote for all of the provisions of Proposal 1, perhaps they will be willing to support a yet to be determined alternative to fix the state of Michigan roadways. 

Pothole Accident Attorney

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC will continue to monitor the situation regarding Michigan road repair funding as it affects Michigan drivers and their safety on the road.  Our auto accident attorneys are always available at 844.4MI.FIRM to speak to you regarding Michigan road funding and incidents regarding injury accidents. 

Everything You Need To Know To Vote on Proposal 1

Voters in Michigan will be lining up to make a decision to pass the Michigan Sales Tax Increase for Transportation Amendment, also known as, Proposal 1, on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. This article aims to provide Michigan voters with all of the necessary information needed to make an informed choice regarding Michigan roads on the ballot.
 
First, Michigan voters need to be made aware of the changes that could occur if this proposal is passed. Proposal 1 intends to create one constitutional amendment, to raise Michigan sales tax, and ten statutes in the Michigan legislature. The idea behind these changes is to raise enough money to fix the poor state of Michigan roads by raising taxes and creating more Michigan laws.
 
The official language of Proposal One, approved by the Board of State Canvassers is as follows:

Auto Accident Lawyers

PROPOSAL 15-1
A proposal to amend the State Constitution to increase the sales/use tax from 6% to 7% to replace and supplement reduced revenue to the School Aid Fund and local units of government caused by the elimination of the sales/use tax on gasoline and diesel fuel for vehicles operating on public roads, and to give effect to laws that provide additional money for roads and other transportation purposes by increasing the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

  • Eliminate sales / use taxes on gasoline / diesel fuel for vehicles on public roads.

  • Increase portion of use tax dedicated to School Aid Fund (SAF).

  • Expand use of SAF to community colleges and career / technical education, and

  • prohibit use for 4-year colleges / universities.

  • Give effect to laws, including those that:

    • Increase sales / use tax to 7%, as authorized by constitutional amendment.

    • Increase gasoline / diesel fuel tax and adjust annually for inflation,
      Increase vehicle registration fees, and dedicate revenue for roads and other transportation purposes

    • Expand competitive bidding and warranties for road projects

    • Increase earned income tax credit.

Should this proposal be adopted?
YES [ ]
NO [ ]


In other words, Proposal 1 would increase Michigan state sales tax, increase fuel tax and allow for fuel tax to be increased every year for inflation, and increase motor vehicle registration fees. These fees would not only be used to expand the transportation fund but would also be used to bolster the School Aid Fund.
 
The increases in taxes by Proposal 1 are estimated to cost an additional $477 to $545 per Michigan household. According to the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, once Proposal 1 is fully implemented in the fiscal year 2017-2018, Michigan’s state revenue will be increased to $1.9 billion dollars. This significant increase would be divided to create $116.1 million for public transportation, $200 million for the School Aid Fund, $111.1 million for cities, and $173 million for Michigan’s General Fund.
 
A poll conducted by Lansing’s EPIC-MRA on January 29, 2015 discovered that 46% of the people they surveyed would vote “yes” on Proposal 1 and 41% would vote “no”. Though after hearing more details on the Proposal, 47% said “yes” and only 38% said “no”. This change may be attributed to the fact that Michiganders are big proponents of road improvement. The current state of Michigan roads is miserable. Numerous potholes, crumbling asphalt, and broken bridges cause thousands of auto accidents in Michigan every year. Many of these motor vehicle crashes result in serious, life-changing injuries or even death. Some of these car accidents may be prevented by simply repairing Michigan's dangerous roads.
 
If you have been injured in an car or motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced auto accident attorneys are ready to help victims of car crashes deal with insurance companies, pay for medical bills, and easing your road to recovery. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM or click here for a free consultation.