Is it possible for national GOP lawmakers and Democrats to actually work together on something?

It’s premature to assume that to be the case, but, at least this week, a glimmer of hope could be seen at the White House after congressional Democrat leaders and President Donald Trump, with some of his staff, met on infrastructure. The meeting adjourned with both sides ageeing infrastructure repairs were needed, to the tune of $2 trillion.

Whether the proposal advances any further from here awaits to be seen, but the mere fact the groups could gather and agree on something is worth noting. It also is worth noting, however, no congressional Republicans were included at the meeting.

“I was glad to meet with President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate and House today to discuss the urgent need to invest in our nation’s infrastructure,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, of Michigan. “I told the president that there is a critical need to update Michigan’s roads, bridges, rural high-speed internet, electric charging infrastructure, water and sewer systems, and harbors on the Great Lakes. Any infrastructure proposal should also protect American workers by including strong Buy America protections and prevailing wage requirements. It’s time to get serious about rebuilding America, growing our economy, and creating good jobs in Michigan and across the country.”

Of course, mention infrastructure, and the first question out of anyone’s mouth is how to fund it. Finding a way to pay for the projects obviously will prove difficult. One of the suggestions on the table is raising the national gas tax, which now stands at 18.3 cents a gallon.

If all this sounds familiar to readers, it should, as pretty much the same conversations are happening in Michigan right now.

If a 45-cents-per-gallon gas tax increase in Michigan sounded bad before, it sounds even worse this week, now that we know the feds also are considering an increase of their own. However, we expect federal leaders will have no more success than state leaders on hammering out solutions as to where the money will come from, other than new taxes.

Our best advice to you: Hold onto your wallet!

(THE ALPENA NEWS)