State Republicans say Whitmer's new budget doesn't have enough road funding

LANSING (FOX 2) - Budget talks are heating up in Lansing. Governor Whitmer has proposed one of more than $83 billion. The topic of fixing the roads has both Republicans and Democrats riled up - can they come together?

"We need $3 billion to $4 more billion on an annual basis to be able to put our roads into a good standard," said State Rep. Donni Steele (R) Orion Township.

Steele, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, is throwing down the gauntlet, saying a budget won’t pass without new road funding.

Hilary Golston, FOX 2: "Where should the money come from?"

"We could go through the budget and be more thorough in making sure the programs in which we fund are efficient, effective, and that they’re working," Steele said. "Hilary, let me roll back a second, Republicans rolled out a plan three or four weeks ago, of close to $3 billion without raising taxes."

That includes the corporate income tax and sales tax on gasoline, according to Steele, a Republican.

Hilary Golston, FOX 2: "Why can’t (House Speaker) Matt Hall and the Republicans get in line with Governor Whitmer and vice versa, and why can’t govern or Whitmer get in line with the Republicans?"

"That’s the million-dollar question and we could use that toward our roads," Steele said.

By the numbers:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s budget recommendation is about $83.5 billion. On roads and bridges, she’s proposed $4.9 billion in total road funding, including federal, state and restricted funds.

This includes:

• $98.9 million to improve state and local roads, highways, and bridges across the state.
• $767 million for transit and rail programs.
• And $10 million to install electric vehicle charging stations across the state.

She’s been consistent and has said there’s more to be done. But Republicans and Democrats have to agree.

What they're saying:

Governor Whitmer was asked about it today.

Hilary Golston, FOX 2: "State Rep Donni Steele said today Republicans found $3 billion to $4 billion in additional funding, but it wasn't considered at all for roads. She says they will not pass the budget unless there is $3 billion to $4 billion more for road funding."

"One of the great things is that Speaker Matt Hall put his name on a road plan. He is the first leader on either side of the aisle to do that and that is a very positive thing," she said. "I'll be putting out some more thoughts on roads next week, and then we'll continue to negotiate together.

"We'll make sure that we've got some revenue but also some cuts. We're all going to have to give a little to make sure we can rebuild the infrastructure of this state."