Infrastructure & Development

1. A Balanced Approach to Road Funding

In part due to milder winters and bond-financing, our roads and bridges seem to be improved over the windshield-cracking, pothole commutes we became accustomed to several years ago. However, we are still behind in our per-year infrastructure funding and the quality of our roads, bridges and public transportation is still far below where it should be. House and Senate members in Lansing have struggled to find a long-term funding strategy for this issue. While Republicans have considered selling off assets like our international bridges to private companies, Democrats have considered raising the gas tax, while members of both parties have brainstormed the potential of toll roads or higher annual vehicle registration fees. While selling off large assets doesn't provide a long-term solution once the proceeds are spent, higher gas taxes and vehicle registration fees and toll roads will raise the cost of doing business in our state, and raise the cost of commutes on every Michigander, disproportionately affecting our lowest-income workers. 

My plan doesn't raise taxes on anyone making less than $7.488 million per year. Michigan currently levies a flat-rate state income tax of 4.25%. By raising this just 3.75% to 8% on any income over $7.488 million, we'd be bringing in potentially hundreds of millions in additional funding each year. While I respect the ability to seek opportunity and success in America, those making $7.488 million a year are making over a dollar per second in a standard 40-hour work week ($3,600 per hour or more). While our current legislature seems unable to solve this problem, I believe this solution is fair, balanced, moderate, and solves our problem. I believe this is a plan Michiganders will support, as this only raises taxes slightly on the highest earners in our state. 

Additionally, as more cars switch from gas to electric, we will have to strategize as a state to ensure electric vehicles that aren't paying a gas tax are still adequately contributing to funding for the roads in which they occupy, while continuing to expand charging infrastructure throughout our state. 

3. Evolving Infrastructure to Meet Evolving Needs

As the Auto State, I will always support our auto workers and auto industry, as we will always be a car-focused state. However, in cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids, investments in public transportation aren't only beneficial to the environment but help to attract young professionals. Access to public transportation is one of the top things young professionals look for when deciding on which cities to move to. Investments in the expansion of bus rapid transit in our metro areas, while supporting more efficient inner-city and commuter rail services is vital to continue to grow as a state and to attract new talent. Imagine living in Rockford and being able to avoid the pileups on 131 by being able to drive to a park-and-ride at West River Drive, hop on bus rapid transit down Plainfield, and end up downtown in less time, for less money. Or perhaps you live in Walker and could hop on the Laker Line and could transfer downtown to a new BRT line out to the airport, avoiding paying for parking during the duration of your trip. This will require better coordination between municipalities and transit agencies, state and federal agencies, and state and federal funding. When our transit systems are completed in a piecemeal approach, it doesn't lead to comprehensive or financially sustainable transit systems. 

Further, with phones and computers dominating our personal, educational, and professional lives, it's important we ensure those living in rural areas have the same access to broadband and reliable service as those in the city, while also working to lower the cost of these services for everyone, providing some breathing room in your pocketbook, and reducing the costs on businesses. WiFi and your phone bill should not cost more than the electric that powers your whole house. While increasing competition in these industries may be challenging, reigning in these costs as we do for other utilities through regulation is vital, as is increasing state support to lower costs for low-income Michiganders, and those who live in rural areas where it costs the same amount for companies to provide the broadband and cell service to these regions despite having far less households to divide the costs amongst. While I believe in the power of the marketplace and the ability of the private industry to provide efficient services, there are some industries and situations where government support is needed to make the service more viable, accessible, and affordable. This is one of them.