MIRA needs Michigan members to call their Michigan State Representatives office and ask them to NOT raise motor fuel taxes. A list of State Representatives with phone numbers can be found below.
As recently reported the Michigan Senate has passed House Bill 5477 (HB 5477) that moves the gasoline and diesel motor fuel taxes from cents per gallon to a percent tax based on an average wholesale price.
Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) pushed through a new version of HB 5477 which calls for the Michigan state motor fuel taxes for both gasoline and diesel fuel to change to 9.5 percent on April 1, 2015, to 11.5 percent in 2016, to 13.5 percent in 2017 and then 15.5 percent in 2018. The tax would be converted to a cents per gallon tax based on an average wholesale price determined by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Under this plan based on current wholesale prices, Michigan motor fuel taxes for both gasoline and diesel fuel would go up to 27 cents per gallon in 2015 and then possibly 45 cents per gallon or even higher by 2018. This would make Michigan the highest taxed state on motor fuel in the country. Michigan is in the top ten highest already for both gasoline and diesel fuel taxes.
Some Talking Points On Gas And Diesel Tax Increases:
- Motor fuel is a declining revenue source due to fewer miles driven, more efficient vehicles and introduction of alternative fueled vehicles, therefore increasing motor fuel taxes is not the best public policy.
- Rising motor fuel prices drives down consumer confidence about the economy.
- Higher motor fuel taxes can also have a devastating impact along the state border for gasoline and diesel retailers.
- Do we really want to make Michigan the highest taxed state for motor fuel in the country?
Possible Funding Options Without Raising Fuel Costs:
- Raising vehicle registration fees (1/3 of transportation funding comes from there now). –and/or-
- Raise sales tax and dedicate those funds to roads. –and/or-
- Raise motor fuel taxes, but first take the sales tax off of motor fuel and ask the people to increase the general sales tax rate to keep schools whole.
We need your help to stop this possible motor fuel tax increase.
Please call your member of the Michigan House of Representatives
TODAY!
You can find the State Representative for your home and business address here.
