Tax Backers Raise $3.2 Million, Mostly From Road Builders

By DAVID EGGERT/Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Supporters of increasing Michigan's sales tax as part of a plan to improve roads are reporting an early financial advantage over opponents of the proposal on the May ballot.

A group backing Proposal 1, Safe Roads Yes!, says it raised $3.2 million as of a week ago. More than two-thirds of the money came from the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, a road building group.

Initial campaign finance reports were due Tuesday.

A committee opposing the tax hike reported taking in $1,000 as of Feb. 10. But since the reporting period's close, the group has begun an ad campaign costing six figures.

The ads started airing Tuesday.

If the constitutional amendment passes, Michigan's 6 percent sales tax would increase to 7 percent and would no longer be applied to fuel.
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