Tri-City Sun

Saving money during the COVID-19 pandemic is a welcome option, and that’s why commonsense, bipartisan reform has been supported by state Rep. Rodney Wakeman (R-Saginaw Township). The reform, according to the Michigan House Republicans website, will see local roads and bridges fixed without taxpayers bombarded with a tax increase.

Saginaw County families can escape shouldering a tax increase, as the repair funds will come from the revenue-neutral tax that will be deducted solely to fix the roads. The move will see the county raising $800 million without increasing taxes.

Speaking to news reporters, Wakeman said that the people of his district not only expected this move but also deserved it.

According to the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proposal, state-owned roads, which account for 8% of the Michigan roads, were allocated $3.5 billion, money that was secured through a loan. However, the revenue-neutral plan will pump $800 million annually, meant to repair the remaining 92% of the local roads. These roads connect residents to school, work and the town center.