Republicans celebrate road bill, Democrats criticize it

LANSING, Mich (WJBK) - The bill has been passed but the battle over paying for road repairs isn't over yet and Democrats are accusing the Governor of caving under pressure.

Governor Rick Snyder and fellow Republicans took a victory lap in Lansing on Wednesday. The Michigan House and Senate both passed the bill they say will help fix Michigan roads.

"This will lead to safer and better roads in our state and do it in a fiscally responsible way," Gov. Snyder said Wednesday. "So this is a good strong package. Again, this is a good outcome."

It wasn't all fun, though, as Republicans accused Democrats of trying to sabotage the package for political gains.

"There's no question the roads are getting worse every day and every month. It's going to be a long time before any money gets to fix them." Democratic Sen. Jim Ananich said.

On the House side, Democratic Rep. Tim Greimel says gov caved to pressure.

"I think the governor is so eager and desp to check the box and get something done that he'll sign anything at this point and that's disapointing. I would have hoped that he would have showed a little more integrity and vetoed what is obviously a bad bill. It doesn't get the roads fixed and jeopardizes funding in education and public safety," Greimel said.

Republicans dispute that claim and say they're just using it for their own benefit.

"That couldn't be further from the truth and Democratic leaders know that. " says House Speaker Kevin Cotter (R). He says Democrats are using it to play politics in the next election.

As for local governments, they say it's not enough, soon enough.

"This is ridiculous. we need a real solution. we need dedicated dollars. We don't need to rob Peter to pay Paul," Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero said. "Under this plan we wouldn't have anything at the local level to fix roads in two years. It's nonsense."

Democrats are calling on the governor to veto the bill. That's unlikely to happen.