Proposition 1 would have enacted broad reforms in road funding policies and programs in Michigan. Despite Governor Rick Snyder and the State Legislature's efforts, however, voters soundly defeated the measure in a statewide election this week.
"Michigan voters rejected the Proposal 1 road funding and sales tax plan that Snyder had pushed by an 80% to 20% margin — the most lopsided rejection of a proposed constitutional amendment since Michigan's current state constitution went into effect, in 1963," reports Paul Egan.
Much of Egan's coverage after the vote is devoted to dissecting what happens next for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who strongly supported the measure. He wasn't the only one—Detroit Free Press also endorsed the measure, calling it a critical need for public safety. Such high profile support was far from enough to muster the necessary support for the measure at the ballot box. Detroit Free Press earlier printed a complete list of organizations and political leadership that supported or opposed the bill.
Chris Christoff also covered the failure of Proposition 1, implying that the results could be a litmus test for the potential presidential campaign of Governor Snyder.
The measure was much more than just a new tax for funding. Proposition 1 would have amended the state's constitution and triggered ten additional pieces of legislation, as detailed by Paul Eggan in an article earlier this week.
FULL STORY: Snyder: Time to 'roll up our sleeves' on road fix
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In Michigan, after voters defeated a sales tax hike that would have triggered a gas tax hike, General Fund revenues are dedicated to roads. South Carolina legislators, eying a gas tax hike, may direct surplus General Fund revenues to roads instead.
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Portland, Ore. Voters Will Be Asked to Reauthorize Gas Tax in May 2020
Originally approved by 52 percent of voters in May 2016, the 4-year, 10 cents per gallon city gas tax has outperformed revenue projections. Funds are split between road maintenance and bike and pedestrian projects.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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