LANSING, MI – Thousands of contractors, road construction workers, and labor union members rallied today in Lansing and Negaunee to demand that Michigan lawmakers take immediate action to pass a long-term, sustainable road funding plan. From the Capitol lawn to the Upper Peninsula, Michiganders came together with one clear message: save our jobs and fund our roads now.
With the expiration of temporary funding and a steep drop in road repair dollars on the horizon, Michigan faces the loss of more than 10,000 good-paying construction jobs. These are real families and real paychecks disappearing – not abstract numbers. Rally participants in both Lansing and Negaunee underscored the urgency of the moment, calling on legislators to prevent the state from going over the funding cliff and to invest in safe, reliable infrastructure for Michigan families.
“Michigan cannot afford any more delays in enacting a long-term road funding plan,” said Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA). “If lawmakers fail to act now, thousands of construction workers will lose their livelihoods and Michigan families will pay the price every time they drive on our crumbling and deteriorating roads. The time for debate has passed, and Michiganders are demanding a solution now.”
The Lansing rally featured heavy construction equipment on display around the Capitol to showcase the workforce and resources required to fix Michigan’s infrastructure. Meanwhile, construction workers in the Upper Peninsula gathered in Negaunee to stand in solidarity and emphasize that road funding challenges affect every corner of the state.
A statewide poll conducted by EPIC-MRA in March 2025 shows broad, bipartisan support for urgent action on Michigan’s road funding crisis. An overwhelming majority of Michigan voters – a staggering 87% – believe it is essential to develop a long-term funding solution. Michiganders remain deeply frustrated with infrastructure conditions, with 80% rating the state’s roads and bridges negatively and 71% giving poor marks to local roads. Perhaps most compelling, 80% of voters agreed that failure to act now will mean lost jobs, higher repair bills for drivers, and even more expensive infrastructure fixes in the future.
“This isn’t just about potholes. It’s about people, jobs, and keeping Michigan communities strong,” said Janice Sharper, owner of A Sharper Service. “Every day Lansing delays action, jobs are lost, costs climb, and Michigan drivers end up paying the price.”
“Modern infrastructure is more than roads and bridges — it’s Michigan’s backbone for jobs, growth, economic opportunity and competitiveness,” said Jim Holcomb, Michigan Chamber President & CEO. “We’re urging policymakers to enact a lasting solution that delivers for all of Michigan.”
The events concluded with attendees pledging to continue pressing lawmakers until action is taken to secure Michigan’s infrastructure, jobs, and economic future.
“We are at a crossroads, and there is only one right path,” said Douglas W. Stockwell, Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager. “We have to invest in our future, in our workers, and in our roads with a sustainable funding plan today, or we will lose all three. OE324 is here ready to do the job, now it’s time for Michigan legislators to do theirs.”
Michiganders can make their voices heard by contacting their legislators and urging them to take action now before it’s too late at fixmistate.org/take-action.
