MOORE: STATE TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR OUT OF TOUCH

State Rep. Tim Moore today sent a letter to Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle asking him to reconsider his position on increasing state gas taxes following his testimony before a House committee that Michigan drivers can afford gas tax increases.

Steudle was before the joint House and Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, June 2 when he made the comments.

"People across Michigan are hurting from lost jobs, lower property values and enough other rising costs as all aspects of our economy are trying to survive on less," said Moore, of Farwell. "Michigan drivers cannot afford a gas tax increase right now, and it's ridiculous to say that. People in my area aren't buying $4 coffee drinks, they need that money and whatever else they can scrape together to put whole meals on the table for their families.
"I agree that Michigan roads are in rough shape and understand that Director Steudle has a difficult task to meet the needs of our transportation system with a limited amount of resources. But so does everyone else who are struggling for the answers in these tough economic times."

Moore said his goal continues to be to prioritize state services and spending, and to enact policies that right-size the state government, stimulate the economy and encourage job growth.
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