Local Republicans and Democrats both oppose Prop 1.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

Both Republican and Democrat parties in Mason County have officially opposed Proposal 1, which calls to raise the state sales tax by 1 percent, in part to repair roads. Voters will be asked to amend the state Constitution on May 5.

The Mason County Republican executive committee voted unanimously on April 21 to oppose the proposal.

“We strongly believe that this is not about ‘fix the roads,’” said John Kreinbrink, chairman of the county’s Republican committee. “It is about new revenue — more revenue, plain and simple. More for schools, mass transit, light rail and for redistribution through the earned income tax credit.”

“While everyone wants to fix the roads, there has to be a direct solution that is specific to the problem,” said Chris Fonnesbeck of the Mason County Democrats. “The current proposal is sorely lacking in continuity of purpose.”

“This amendment, if passed, will eliminate sales tax on gasoline, but will increase gasoline /diesel fuel taxes and adjust these taxes annually for inflation,” Kreinbrink said. “Raising the sales tax from 6% to 7% requires a change to the Michigan Constitution that can only be undone by another statewide vote.

“A   family of four earning $50,000 would pay approximately one week’s wages in additional taxes and fees. About 40% of the additional funds would be spent on items not related to roads or transportation.”

For more information on Proposal 1, see Nick Krieger’s Mitten Memo blog on MCP here.

Official ballot language can be found here.