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CRAM RUSH-PAC General Election Endorsements Every Vote Counts Will a temporary shutdown of state government in 2007, unpopular reforms to Michigan’s business tax structure, and Michigan’s unemployment rate remaining among the highest in the nation impact the November elections? If the 50th State House District primary is any indicator, the answer to this question could be a resounding “yes.” The attached article highlights RUSH-PAC endorsements in several open-seats considered to be a “toss-up.”
The innovate practices of local road agencies are seldom recognized by the public since governmental agencies are expected to do their jobs well and stretch tax dollars. Michigan’s County Road Commissions use sound engineering practices and advanced technologies to save money and protect the environment while improving roads for travel. A case study of the Clinton County Road Commission is provided.
The Debate over Road Commissions
Menominee Road Commissioner seeks House seat With the general election just months away, CRAM will highlight key open-seat races to watch in the 2008 General Election. A member of the Menominee County Road Commission has emerged from the primary and is now embattled in one of the toughest State House races in the November election.
The Citizens Advisory Committee, Highway, Road and Bridge Subcommittee, did an excellent job of informing the Transportation Funding Task Force on the dire situation facing Michigan’s state and local roads and bridges. Clearly, doing nothing is not a viable option. The prospect of doubling state transportation funding is daunting, but without this investment in Michigan’s transportation system our state economy and the quality of life for Michigan residents will continue to decline. The Subcommittee determined a “good” transportation system in Michigan would require an annual investment of $6.1 Billion, and a “better” system $12.6 Billion annually. What would a “good” or “better” highway, road and bridge system look like? Click here to learn more.
The subcommittee concluded “when it comes to maintaining its roads, Michigan is failing, and continuing the status quo (do nothing) will result in an acceleration of the rate of decline of the road and bridge system, which will lead to declining quality of life and reduced economic competitiveness in the global economy. Bold action is required now” At current funding levels ($3.2 billion annually) it is estimated that M-DOT will lose $750 million and local road agencies $204 million annually by 2015 due to the inability to match federal funding, while roads continue to crumble. “Maintaining the status quo essentially guarantees that Michigan’s roads will become increasingly pothole riddled, congested, unplowed and dangerous.” The subcommittee estimated it would cost $6.1 billion annually to improve the state and local road and bridge system to “good” condition, and $12.6 billion to bring the system to a “better” condition. Although doubling the amount spent on roads may seem impossible in our current economy, the alternatives are even more ominous. How did our infrastructure get this bad? Why isn’t $3.2 billion a year enough to meet the needs of the system? What does a “good” or “better” road and bridge system mean for Michigan’s economy? For the answers to these questions and many more, the Highway, Road and Bridge Subcommittee report, entitled “Michigan’s Roads in Crisis” can be downloaded by clicking here. Stay tuned- The initial recommendations of the Transportation Funding Task Force established by PA 221 of 2007 are expected to be released in October, 2008.
CRAM RUSH-PAC Endorses Friends of Transportation A Long Path to Recovery
As gasoline hit $4 per gallon, and families struggle to purchase fuel needed for essential travel, motorists deserve to know who benefits from the increase in cost. State and federal fuel taxes are an easy target, but truth be told these revenues are decreasing. So who benefits? Certainly not Michigan roads! Education, local governments, the state general fund…now that’s a different story!
In 2007, when the State of Michigan was in a “single state recession,” struggling with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, why then did the legislature suggest cuts to the TEDF? |
| The Perfect Storm |
| Pothole Contest Highlights Need for Increased Road Funding |
| Gas Tax Debate--Not Just in Michigan |
| Abolishing Road Commissions? |
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©
2008 by County Road Association of Michigan
e-mail: craminfo@localroads.net
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