Bolger Changes Stance on Tax Increase

In what could be a major development, Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger says he is open to the idea of a tax increase to fix the roads. Up until now, Bolger has been steadfastly against the idea. There have been two proposals. A senate-passed plan that could double the tax on gasoline over time. And a house-passed plan that raises some new revenue, but not enough according to the governor. And the house-approved proposal does not include a tax increase. But House Speaker Jase Bolger’s stance on a tax increase appears to be evolving.

He did not specify the amount of increase however. In order for a new plan to take effect, lawmakers must approve it and send it to the governor before the end of the year. At this point, lawmakers plan to leave Lansing for the year, at the end of next week.