We’re about to enter pothole season. The weather will turn cold, then it will snow, then it might warm up, then the snow could become rain. Then, cold and snow again and the cycle could repeat. That means more potholes and more bumpy roads as we motor about in Michigan.

Crews will work as best as they can to fix the roads, but in the winter it’s an ongoing challenge. Every year, our roads take a beating.

Along with annual potholes, many of our roads are old and need repaving. This is true for bridges as well. Governor Rick Snyder has a plan and has asked the legislature to come up with a bill that he can sign to fix our roads. This effort to improve our infrastructure will help us all, and I’m sure many of us would agree that it will be good for us in the long run (improved transportation, delivery of goods, etc.) and it will provide more jobs (road construction).

The dilemma that the legislature faces is how to pay for the new roadwork. There is talk about adding to the gas tax, or replacing the sales tax on gasoline with taxes earmarked for road repair. Money for roads has to be shifted from someplace in the state budget, or new revenue (that means taxes) must be added. No one in political office is ever a big fan of adding more tax dollars, since that often leads to the loss of some jobs — specifically the jobs of the people who raised the taxes.

I believe we need better roads and bridges all over our state. I support the governor’s efforts to make this a priority. But, as an educator, I must also make sure my students and teachers have the best resources for teaching and learning.

I urge anyone who supports schools to caution the legislators not to take away revenue sources from our school budgets. Our state school aid comes from sales taxes. Every time you fill your vehicle up, a regular sales tax is part of your cost and that goes to our schools. If the lawmakers in Lansing cut sales taxes on gasoline, we must be assured that school aid does not get affected by that revenue loss.

Please remind Governor Snyder, Senator John Proos, and Representative Pagel that our Michigan economy also depends upon strong schools as well as safe, updated roads.

 

John Jarpe is the superintendent of Brandywine Community Schools. He can be reached at (269) 684- 7150.