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State Representative Matthew Bierlein emphasized a new infrastructure plan introduced by House Speaker-elect Matt Hall. The proposal aims to repair local roads and bridges without increasing taxes. By reallocating existing tax dollars and expiring corporate incentives, the plan seeks to invest nearly $3 billion annually in infrastructure, particularly neglected local roads.

Bierlein stated, "This plan puts needed emphasis on infrastructure people use every day from driveway to highway." He highlighted the concerns of residents about potholes and unrepaired streets, stressing the need for action and resources from both political parties.

The proposed plan would immediately allocate $1.2 billion of annual corporate income tax revenue to infrastructure, prioritizing local road agencies. It addresses the lack of support for county and city roads under previous state highway-focused bonds. From fiscal year 2025-2026, an additional $600 million in CIT revenue would be directed toward infrastructure by replacing three current earmarks set to expire after FY 2024-2025.

The proposal also suggests replacing the 6% sales tax on motor fuel with a revenue-neutral increase in the motor fuel tax, generating approximately $945 million more for infrastructure while protecting school funding from reduced sales tax revenue.

Bierlein pointed out that Michigan's road funding faces challenges as federal infrastructure dollars diminish and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s debt-funded highway spending ends in 2026. Without adequate reforms, work may cease, affecting road builders and worsening road conditions.

Local roads have not benefited from state borrowing funds and require significant support as their financial situation is expected to worsen without changes.