LANSING, MI (AP)-- Governor Rick Snyder says improving roads by shifting money from elsewhere in the budget cannot come at the expense of being fiscally responsible.
The Republican governor and legislative leaders met Thursday afternoon in the Capitol, a day after the House adjourned without a $1.2 billion transportation-funding deal. Snyder leaves Friday for a trade trip in China but says Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will be on hand next week to continue talks with lawmakers.
Snyder is concerned about the budgetary impact of permanently dedicating $600 million a year in general funds to roads. The other $600 million would come from unspecified fuel tax and vehicle registration fee hikes.
Snyder says he's unwilling to solve the road problem if it "jeopardizes ... fiscal responsibility for the state for the long term."
