There is a special election today in Michigan. In my precinct (suburban Detroit - western Oakland County) there were only two items on the ballot. Both were tax proposals. One was for the school district - basically a facilities fund. The other was the increase in sales tax for roads and a whole bunch of other stuff crammed in.
I don't think the sales tax increase will pass. People are just furious with the state legislature and do not want to pay 7% on everything. Sales taxes are so regressive and this will hurt the poor a lot. There is also an increased in EARNED income tax - not on investments. God forbid the wealthy pay for use of the roads. Earned income tax is aimed at those who work, the majority being those not in the 1% top income bracket.
Michigan allows very heavy trucks and nothing is being done to reduce the weight. Our roads are so beat up due to these mammoth trucks. But the masters of the universe do not want the limits changed nor do they want to pay for the damage to the roads.
The cost in travel time and vehicle damage must be great - I've replace one damaged wheel so far and know many others who have had blown tires and bent wheels.
I hope people wake up and stop voting for republican legislators. In this state, their hatred for Detroit, for minorities and unions is killing full economic recovery. They do incredible stupid short sighted things in the name of austerity as if it's a punishment for being poor or blue collar.
The governor, one of those republican clones, cut taxes for the top to induce a budget crisis. They have cut funding for education, infrastructure, pensions, etc. Now they realize they have to raise revenue but want to do it on the backs of people who cannot carry the burden.
6:50 PM PT: Results are in and proposal 1 didn't pass
78% against, 22% for