Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder delivers his third annual State of the State address to a joint session of the state Legislature in the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. Generating new money for Michigans transportation network was the centerpiece of Snyders
LANSING (AP) Gov. Rick Snyder urged Michigan legislators to put aside short-term political concerns and approve tax and fee increases needed to raise an additional $1.2 billion a year to patch up Michigans ailing roads and bridges.
Generating new money for Michigans transportation network was the centerpiece of Snyders third annual State of the State address, delivered Wednesday to a joint session of the state Legislature in the Capitol. The Republican governor sought support from both parties midway through a turbulent term in which he has pleased business interests but alienated Democrats and organized labor with tax relief for corporations and measures that have weakened unions powers.
Snyder provided few details of his road plan in his nearly hour-long speech, which also touched on education, insurance reform and a variety of other issues. Instead, he focused on convincing lawmakers facing re-election campaigns next year that rebuilding the states crumbling transportation infrastructure is important enough to risk upsetting motorists with a request to pay more for gasoline.
Were not here for us, he told lawmakers. Its an honor and privilege to be elected, and were here to serve 10 million people that are counting on us. So lets get the job done.
Associated Press reporters Jeff Karoub and Alanna Durkin contributed to this story.
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