LANSING, Mich. (AP) – The Michigan Senate is starting to consider the latest funding plan to improve deteriorating roads, which includes a 40 percent vehicle registration fee increase and a 3.3-cent gasoline tax hike. Republican Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof said Thursday he’s “grateful” the House voted after higher-level talks stalled. He compliments Speaker Kevin Cotter for winning Republicans’ support for “new revenue for our roads,” but is uncertain about the legislation’s future. The Senate will dig into the proposal next week. Gov. Rick Snyder has expressed concerns with the bills approved late Wednesday. Democrats say the new plan shifts too much in general funds to roads, and they worry future income tax cuts would be fiscally irresponsible. Republicans say it makes sense to cut the rate when revenues outplace inflation.
