St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) recently announced legislation that would generate an extra $800 million for road construction and maintenance in the state.

The legislation calls for guaranteeing all state taxes paid at gas stations go to fixing roads and ensures road maintenance managed by local municipalities will get completed first. It would also phase out the current 6% sales tax on fuel purchases in favor of an equivalent revenue-neutral fuel tax.

“The roads right outside our driveways are the ones that need serious attention,” Paquette said in a statement released on the Michigan House Republicans website. “We must ensure the safety of the roads along our daily commutes. Those are the roads I get complaints about from local residents. I’m here in Lansing to stand up for their needs and that’s what this legislation will address.”