Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on April 22, 2004, to authorize an increase of expenditures from the transportation economic development fund for road projects in cities and villages that are in rural counties and have a population of 5,000 or greater

The vote was 70 in favor, 34 opposed and 5 not voting

(House Roll Call 423 at House Journal 50)

Click here to view bill details.

Reps. Law, Phillips and Hopgood, having reserved the right to explain their protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I chose to vote no on House Bills 5799 and 5800 because while the intent of helping rural areas with road projects to promote economic development is a good one, it should not be done at the expense of communities like those in my district. These bills would result in a reduction of funds to the Michigan Transportation Fund-those funds are earmarked for counties, cities and villages statewide - communities in my district. No matter how small the amount, at a time when road funds are limited, my county cannot afford to lose critical road dollars."

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 voted against House Bills 5799 and 5800 because while I support the intent of helping rural areas with road projects to promote economic development is a good one, it should not be done at the expense of established and older communities such as Warren and Sterling Heights. Both bills would result in a reduction of funds to the Michigan Transportation Fund which currently are earmarked for counties, cities and villages statewide. My county simply cannot afford to lose critical road dollars--especially as our need is great."