Michigan Gas Tax Hike Illegal?

I had the opportunity recently to review article 9 section 9 of the Michigan Constitution. It is focused on the use of gasoline taxes and more specifically how they are required to be used. If I am reading this right it says 90% must be spent on roads. If that’s the case then someone please explain where all the money is going and who is breaking the law.

A new bill that will jack up taxes on gasoline to more than 40 cents by 2018 is on it’s way to Governor Snyders desk. But why would we need such a bill if the Constitution already addresses the matter directly.

I’ve included the entire text for your review. You tell me if I’m reading this wrong or if we are getting screwed by our elected officials.

§ 9 Use of specific taxes on fuels for transportation purposes; authorization of indebtedness and issuance of obligations.

Sec. 9.

All specific taxes, except general sales and use taxes and regulatory fees, imposed directly or indirectly on fuels sold or used to propel motor vehicles upon highways and to propel aircraft and on registered motor vehicles and aircraft shall, after the payment of necessary collection expenses, be used exclusively for transportation purposes as set forth in this section.

Not less than 90 percent of the specific taxes, except general sales and use taxes and regulatory fees, imposed directly or indirectly on fuels sold or used to propel motor vehicles upon highways and on registered motor vehicles shall, after the payment of necessary collection expenses, be used exclusively for the transportation purposes of planning, administering, constructing, reconstructing, financing, and maintaining state, county, city, and village roads, streets, and bridges designed primarily for the use of motor vehicles using tires, and reasonable appurtenances to those state, county, city, and village roads, streets, and bridges.