LANSING – As the debate about federal transportation funding continues in Washington, House Democrats are calling on Congress to ensure that Michigan is no longer put near the bottom of the pack when it comes to the percentage of federal transportation tax dollars it gets back each year.
"Michigan has been a donor state for transportation funding for more than 50 years," said House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township). "We have consistently contributed more than our fair share to help build this country, and it's time we get our fair share in return – especially considering that Michigan's per capita income is plummeting year after year. This federal funding is vital to projects that will not only improve Michigan's roads, but will help create much-needed jobs for our workers and drive our economy."
As a "donor state," Michigan sends significantly more money to Washington than it receives in return. Since the enactment of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, Michigan has paid out more than $1.4 billion through the various federal transportation taxes paid by Michigan drivers than it has received in transportation funds. This difference places Michigan at 46th out of the 50 states in terms of money returned to pay for projects in our state.
Michigan taxpayers continue to carry the burden of contributing more than their fair share, despite the fact they are earning less money. Michigan ranked 16th among states in per capita income in 2000; by 2007, the state had dropped to 33rd and is now on the verge of falling into the bottom 10.
House Democrats introduced a resolution this week calling on Congress to immediately correct the funding disparity and start sending Michigan its fair share of transportation money.
"It's no secret that both our economy and roads need improvement," said Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township), Chair of the House Transportation Committee. "Our ability to attract and retain business and talent is directly related to our ability to safely and effectively move people and goods throughout the state. We must upgrade our infrastructure, and to do that we will need the federal funding that Michigan is entitled to."