Why Some Oppose Proposal 1

Why Some Oppose Proposal 1

LANSING - Last week HOMTV brought you the first part of a three part series on Michigan's Proposal 1. This week we dug into those opposing the proposal for the second part of the series.

There's no debate that Michigan roads need a little bit of polishing, but those who oppose Michigan's Proposal 1 say a 2 billion dollar tax increase may not be the way to a smoother ground.

"People want their roads fixed, we want the roads fixed, but a 58 percent ransom is not the way to go," said the Director of Coalition Against Higher Taxes and Special Interest Deals, Scott Hagerstrom.

"Just as we are starting to come out of a recession here in Michigan, starting to see some positive changes, what we don't need is a huge tax increase," he added.

A tax increase that according to Hagerstrom could cause consumers to pay an extra 16.7 percent in sales tax per year, plus around an extra ten cents at the pump.

"It's a bad deal, it needs to be turned down. and send a very strong message to Lansing that we don't need a 2 billion dollar tax increase to fix our roads we need to go back to the drawing board," Hagerstrom said.

Back to the drawing broad or not, it's not just the tax increase that's turning voters away.

"I think because this plan is so confusing people will not vote for it, because it's a confusing plan," said Senator, Rick Jones.

That confusion could be causing voters to oppose. According to a recent poll, 66% of 600 people surveyed rejected the proposal that aims to fund road repairs.

Those who plan to vote no on May 5th believe it's the governments job to cut within their 54 billion dollar budget, rather than leaving it to Michigan residents.

"What Lansing is saying is that we couldn't find areas to cut in our budget, so you as a Michigan worker, as a Michigan family, as a Michigan small business, you have to cut your budget to fund something that is a priority," said Hagerstrom.

Hagerstrom says whether you're for or against proposal 1... it's important to get out there and vote.

Next week HOMTV will hit on those who plan to vote yes on the Proposal May 5th.


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