Waterford Today

State Representative Mike Harris of Waterford has voiced his disagreement with the governor's recent proposal for new revenue sources to repair Michigan's roads. In response to the "Road Ahead" address, Harris issued a statement emphasizing that both political parties recognize the importance of fixing the state's infrastructure but criticized the governor's funding approach.

"Republicans and Democrats agree: Fixing Michigan’s roads needs to be a priority for state government. But the governor is wrong on how to pay for it. We can repair our roads and drive to a better future without running over Michigan taxpayers," Harris stated.

Harris highlighted that House Republicans have developed an alternative plan focused on increasing investment in local roads, which he claims have been neglected by the current administration. The plan aims to secure resources for state highways as well, ensuring continuity after the conclusion of bonding and federal infrastructure funding.

"That’s why House Republicans developed a serious plan to boost investment in the local roads that the governor has ignored in recent years, while also securing resources for state highways before the governor’s bonding and federal infrastructure dollars hit a dead end. The people of Michigan don’t need to pay more. They just need their government to do its job and repair our failing infrastructure. We shouldn’t leave hard-working Michiganders behind to pave the road ahead," Harris continued.

In November, Harris announced his backing for a Republican initiative proposing nearly $3 billion in infrastructure investments, particularly targeting county and city road improvements. He pointed out that while past efforts under debt-funded bonding mainly supported state highways, this new plan would focus on reallocating existing resources rather than increasing taxes.