LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today applauded the Michigan Senate for their leadership in passing a comprehensive plan to fix Michigan's roads.

"We commend Senate Majority Leader Meekhof and his colleagues who took the bold step of passing a meaningful package of legislation to fix Michigan's crumbling roads and bridges," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "This plan provides a real solution to dramatically improve the condition of our roads and bridges which are vital to Michigan's economic success."

"Voters have been consistent that they want legislators to work together to fix the roads by reprioritizing state spending, raising any needed revenue through user fees, not general tax increases and ensuring that the tax dollars we send to Lansing to fix the roads are actually spent on the roads," noted Tricia Kinley, Senior Director of Tax & Regulatory Reform for the Michigan Chamber. "The Senate plan accomplishes all three."

"The Senate plan is a responsible solution to the road funding crisis," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "Under the plan passed by the Senate, it is estimated that Michigan drivers would pay about $7 more per month to fix the roads."

"Michigan's citizens are demanding action and we are confident that leaders in the House and Senate can work together to resolve any differences and enact a final solution to Michigan's road funding crisis before Labor Day," Holcomb concluded.  

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,700 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

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SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce