A new poll shows that roughly 60-percent of Michigan voters oppose the idea of raising gas taxes and registration fees. According to the survey conducted by Epic MRA of Lansing, 58-percent of voters opposed the increases, while 36-percent were in favor of it. Officials say the money generated from the increases would go to fund road and bridge improvements. The poll was conducted January 21st through the 25th with a margin of error of plus or minus four-percentage points. (MRN)

More than a dozen bills have been introduced in the State Legislature that would raise over one billion dollars annually to maintain Michigan’s roads and bridges. The bills include repealing the 19-cent gas tax motorists pay at the pump, and shift to a 28.3-cent tax on the wholesale price of fuel raising $541 million. However, only the new revenue would be dedicated to Michigan’s roads and bridges. Another $500 million would come from raising annual vehicle registration fees an average of $60. (MRN)

A lawsuit is being filed by supporters of Michigan's auto no-fault law, who are also criticizing the effort in the legislature to eliminate Michigan's unlimited coverage under the law. Specifically the law allows lifetime, un-capped benefits for those who suffered debilitating injuries in auto accidents.

Governor Rick Snyder and the state legislature are making Michigan's road funding problem a priority. The governor is expected to endorse a package of bills including a vehicle registration fee increase of 60-percent to improve Michigan's roads and bridges. The increase will cost the average vehicle owner about $60 per vehicle, with an increase from $100 to $160. Owners of newer, more expensive cars would pay a little more. People with older cars would see a smaller increase.

Ford Motor Company is supporting a new proposal that would ban hand-held cell phone calls while driving. The automaker has announced that it is endorsing the bill introduced last month by U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy of New York. While the company is backing the bill, it has been eager to protect its in-vehicle technologies, such as sync and myford touch, which allow drivers to make hands-free calls and receive limited text messages. Ford is the first automaker to support the bill. (MRN)