State Senate votes to raise gas tax for road repair

The Michigan gas tax plan to raise the price by .15 cents a gallon was passed by the Senate Wednesday, according to Tim Skubick.

The Senate voted to approve the rate hike which should raise about $1.4 to $1.5 billion per year to fix Michigan roads.

The deciding vote was cast by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley to break a 20-19 tie.

The rates would raise incrementally under the plan by .4 cents on Oct. 1 and Jan. 1, 2016 and a .7 cent increase on Jan. 1, 2017.

The plan would also redirect $700 million from the state's general fund. The House passed a plan three weeks ago that avoids gas tax increases. 

Gov. Rick Snyder and lawmakers expect to negotiate a compromise in the coming months.