It’s not too late to master the basics of Proposal 1. Here’s a 5-minute version.
Proposal 1, the May ballot question, seeks to raise money to fix it and thou thousands of others pocking Michigan roads. (Photo by the League of Michigan Bicyclists via Flickr; used under Creative Commons license)Asphalt can only be made in warmer temperatures, so maybe it’s fitting that the transportation fix-it solution cooked up by the lame-duck legislature in Lansing last December is being voted on in warm, sunny May.
Whether voters’ moods match the weather is uncertain.
As Election Day arrives, here’s your short-and-perhaps-oversimplified version of Proposal 1, for those who may have been avoiding the debate so far.
Here’s what it would do, should the measure pass: It would raise the state sales tax by a penny (17 percent). It would change the fuel tax, removing sales tax and the flat per-gallon tax and instituting a new gas tax of 14.9 percent, based on the wholesale price of fuel. Obviously that’s a changing figure, but at current gas prices, the consumer’s price at the pump would rise by about a dime per gallon.
All of this would raise money for Michigan’s transportation infrastructure, and a lot more. Money would also go to the School Aid Fund, revenue sharing for local municipalities and the state general fund. It’s about $2 billion the first year, and falls after that to level out at around $1.2 billion a year for transportation, the amount Gov. Rick Snyder says is needed to improve Michigan’s pitted roads and bridges.
And yes, this is the short version. Proposal 1 is a big, complicated piece of legislation, and for readers who want to know more, here are some useful links to Bridge coverage:
A Bridge primer on Proposal 1 goes deeper into the details. Who supports and opposes it? Find out here. What if it doesn’t pass? Good question.
The House Fiscal Agency analysis of the legislation may be useful to some, along with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan analysis, and webinar.
Truth Squad took a look at the advertising on both sides, delivering a warning and foul to two pro-Prop 1 spots, and fouls to two ads from the opposition.
Whatever your sentiments, make sure you know the facts about Proposal 1 and vote Tuesday on this important measure.
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!