Director Of Elections Releases Proposed Language For May 5th Road Package Vote, Board Approves

Photo by David Yardley

By Brandon Hall   
(Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com)

The picture above-minus the x in the "No" section-is what Director of Elections Chris Thomas recommended to the Board of Canvassers that the ballot language be for the road package proposal Michiganders are voting on May 5th. It was approved.

While the " Safe Roads Yes!" side has 3 million dollars (with more to come according to Paul Mitchell) and plans to use scare tactics about road safety to get their way, polling shows Michiganders oppose the measure when they learn more about it.

Gov. Snyder has racked up many victories-but this time he is up against Paul Mitchel, John Yob, Scott Hagerstrom, Tom McMillin, and many, many others.

Sometimes money can outweigh a good message, but this proposal is so bad, that just does not seem likely. And the No side plenty of fundraising potential, too...

The text of the proposal on the ballot reads:


>>>DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS
PROPOSED BALLOT WORDING
PROPOSAL 15-1 

A proposal to amend the State Constitution to increase the sales/use tax from 6% to 7% to replace reduced revenue to the School Aid Fund and local units of government caused by the elimination of the sales/use tax on gasoline and diesel fuel for vehicles operating on public roads, and to give effect to laws that provide additional money for roads and other transportation purposes by increasing the
gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

Eliminate sales / use taxes on gasoline/diesel fuel for vehicles on public roads.

Increase portion of use tax dedicated
to School Aid Fund (SAF).

Expand use of SAF
to community colleges and career / technical education, and
prohibit use for 4-year colleges/universities.

Give effect to laws, including those that:
o
Increase sales / use tax to 7%
, as authorized by constitutional
amendment

Increase gasoline/
diesel fuel tax and adjust annually for inflation,
increase vehicle registration fees, and dedicate revenue for roads and
other transportation purposes.

Expand competitive bidding and warranties for road projects.

Increase earned income tax credit.

Should this proposal be adopted?

YES
[ ]
NO

_________________________________________________________________________
Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics. >>>Email him at WestMiPolitics@Gmail.com 
Facebook

Twitter

Photo By Darlene Dowling Thompson