Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on May 6, 2003, to forgive state loans to the Mackinac Bridge Authority. The tolls were recently increased for all vehicles. Bridge tolls were recently increased, and the bill is intended to reduce the need for the increase. It does not require the increase to be rolled back, however. The bill is part of a legislative package comprised of House Bills 4627 to 4631, which is designed to roll back the fee increase

The vote was 64 in favor, 45 opposed and 1 not voting

(House Roll Call 423 at House Journal 59)

Click here to view bill details.

Rep. Gleason, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

Due to the extreme budget shortfall, I feel this is a worthy revenue source for the state. It has been reduced by only a fraction annually and does not put undo financial stress on the bridge authority."

Rep. Bieda, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I opposed House Bill 4627 because of the loss of funds for the State Trunkline Fund and Michigan Transportation Fund, and the impact this action could have on the State's bond rating. Thus, I voted no on House Bill 4627."