Q:   STATISTICS INDICATE THAT, AT LEAST UNTIL THE START OF THE CURRENT RECESSION, WE'VE ALL BEEN DRIVING MORE. DOESN'T THAT MEAN MORE GAS TAX REVENUE?

A:   NO. Because cars are continuously becoming more fuel-efficient, we're able to drive further on less gas. That means we're putting more wear and tear on Michigan roads, and paying LESS to maintain them. The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association estimates gasoline consumption is up 5% since 1978, while we're driving 56% more miles!

Between 1997 and 207, Michigan's gas tax revenues actually decreased by an annual average of 0.19 percent.