×

Gas tax is high, but road quality isn’t

Earlier this week Americans observed “Tax Day” when state and federal income tax returns needed filed.

Taxes just don’t end there obviously.

For instance, think about $198 million. According to analysts at GasBuddy.com, that is the amount of taxes motorists across the country will pay today to local, state and federal officials as they fill up their vehicles. Annually, that amounts to $72 billion.

While Pennsylvania residents pay the highest taxes at 78 cents a gallon, Michigan residents pay the fifth highest tax rate in the country at 59.34 cents a gallon, or $356 a year. If a family has two cars in the home, that amounts to $712 annually.

As a means of comparison, the national average is 49.5 cents a gallon, or $297 a year.

Michigan lawmakers have struggled in recent years as to how best to address the issue of finding adequate funding for road repairs and improvements. The state gas tax is but one component of the elixir legislators have concocted.

As evidence by the quality of roads in Michigan and considering the statistics above, the challenge before legislators is far from over.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today