The 3-bill Bi-partisan package to raise the state’s gasoline tax has been introduced by Reps. Richard Ball (R-Laingsburg) and Pam Byrnes (D-Chelsea).

House Bills 5768-5770 would, among other things:

* raise the gas tax by 4 cents immediately on gasoline with another 4 cent increase in 2013;

* gradually bring the diesel tax into line with the gasoline tax;

* set aside the funds in a Transportation Investment Fund that would be immune to siphoning for other state departments; and

* guarantee the full 10% off-the-top commitment to the Comprehensive Transportation Fund (CTF) which funds public transit.

Greater Lapeer Transit Agency has some fantastic looking buses on the road, thanks to their second annual student art contest.

Check out pictures and the full story from The County Press.

Today, the Detroit Free Press examines the importance of public transportation for senior, and the implications that massive funding cuts will have on an already frail population.

“It’s been ignored, by and large, by most of the leaders, the fact that we’re getting older,” said Tim Wintermute, executive director of the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation in Detroit, which works to provide activities and improve quality of life for area seniors.

“It’s the No. 1 thing for older people: How are we going to get around?”

Read the full article…