Elected officials are weighing proposals to suspend fuel taxes in Blissfield. High prices continue to burden drivers across the region as neighboring states act.
The average price of regular fuel in Michigan is $4.57 per gallon, according to AAA. Diesel fuel averages $6.71 per gallon across the state.
Motorists said they want relief at the pump.
“Gas, groceries, everything,” said Wes, a Michigan driver. “Gas, diesel overall has gone up, I don’t know, three dollars in the past year and a half or so, and it really adds up, especially when you’re out here every couple of days filling up.”
State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey of the 17th District pointed to regional efforts.
“Indiana suspended theirs. Ohio is taking action now. Even Illinois didn’t do a suspension, as I understand it, but froze the rates. So they couldn’t increase normally,” Lindsey said. “We see states in our region around us, our border states, our neighbors taking action on this to help their residents.”
Lawmakers reported concerns about how a pause would affect road repairs. State Sen. Joseph Bellino Jr. of the 16th District said he supports a suspension plan.
“If they can cut 800 million of waste, fraud and abuse somewhere we could fund it for 6 months, that’d be wonderful,” Bellino said.
Bellino added that he doubts legislation will pass the Democratic-controlled Senate. He noted he travels across the border near Blissfield for cheaper fuel.
“I live 13 miles from the line. If I’m anywhere near the line, I run down to Ohio and get gas, and I’ll do it even more now,” Bellino said.
The debate has reached the campaign trail for governor. Republican candidate John James called for an immediate pause on state and federal fuel taxes.
Democratic leaders hold differing views on the strategy. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks wants to consider a state-level suspension, according to the Michigan Advance.
Her running mate, Jocelyn Benson, warned that a state pause creates funding shortages for roads. Benson urged Congress to suspend the federal rate instead.
Benson’s campaign said she still backs legislative talks in Lansing. Fuel is taxed at 52.4 cents per gallon in Michigan.
State fuel taxes provide dedicated revenue for maintaining highways and local bridges. Legislative chambers review tax rate adjustments before bills move to the governor for final action.
Lawmakers face a limited schedule in Lansing as they debate relief measures for motorists in Blissfield.
