LANSING, Mich. — A powerful coalition of construction workers, union members, business leaders, and local officials packed the steps of Michigan’s Capitol on Wednesday, demanding that lawmakers put aside political differences and secure a sustainable road funding plan before the state hits a fiscal crisis.

Thousands of demonstrators raised signs, chanted, and cheered as speaker after speaker underscored the high stakes of inaction: crumbling highways, unsafe bridges, lost jobs, and weakened economic competitiveness.

“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. “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 urgency stems from the expiration of road bonds that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration previously used to jumpstart infrastructure repairs. With those funds drying up, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has warned that the state faces a crisis point: more than 100 state trunkline bridges could be forced to close by 2035, disrupting daily commutes for 1.8 million drivers and cutting off critical commerce routes.

Beyond the infrastructure itself, thousands of construction and trade jobs are at risk. For many families, those careers represent stability and pathways into the middle class.

“When we invest in infrastructure, we’re not just building roads and bridges, we’re building careers,” said Arlandar Washington, business manager with LiUNA Local 355. “Every time we fund a road project, we’re putting real people to work. … Jobs you can raise a family on. The best part is, these are jobs that can’t be outsourced. You can’t ship a broken road to another country. These jobs belong right here in Michigan.”

Washington also delivered a warning to lawmakers who may stall progress: “Being in lockstep is not getting this done. We need Lansing to stop finger pointing and to start the road paving and building and bridge building. … Today, we rally. Tomorrow, we will organize. And come Election Day, we will remember.”

The political backdrop is tense. The Republican-controlled House has passed a $3.4 billion road funding plan as part of the new fiscal year budget. Democrats in the Senate, however, have not yet advanced their own version, leaving negotiations stalled. With only weeks left before the October 1 budget deadline, the possibility of a government shutdown looms.

Local leaders added their voices to the chorus of frustration. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said short-term fixes are no substitute for sustainable investment. “I don’t want to hear from folks about busted axles. I don’t want to hear about freeze-thaw and breaking up the potholes,” Schor said. “I’ll fix your pothole in 48 hours, but that doesn’t fix the roads.”

Business groups also stressed the economic consequences of legislative inaction. Jim Holcomb, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, said deteriorating roads threaten not just daily commutes, but Michigan’s ability to grow.

“[We are] united by one fact, Michigan cannot grow but on well constructed, and properly maintained, reliable roads,” Holcomb said. “My members sent me here today with a simple message – properly funding our roads is essential to supporting our economy, supporting job creation and ensuring Michigan is well positioned to be a great state.”

Holcomb emphasized the cost of waiting: “Make no mistake, we are at a crossroads. The time for action is now. Every day, month or year that passes without action is making the problem worse because it leads to higher construction costs in the future.”

The rally drew bipartisan attention. Democratic Reps. Joey Andrews of St. Joseph and Alabas Farhat of Dearborn attended, while Republican Rep. Jay DeBoyer of Clay said the sight of thousands of workers gathering outside the Capitol sent a clear, undeniable message.

“This is about what the core principles of government are, and it’s fixing and funding infrastructure,” DeBoyer said. “Obviously, it’s also about public safety and education, as well, but this right here is a great demonstration of how the people of Michigan feel, and I couldn’t agree more. We’ve got to get it done.”

With the budget deadline drawing near, both supporters and critics agree: time is running out. Whether Lansing lawmakers will find common ground remains uncertain, but Wednesday’s rally was a reminder that Michigan residents, workers, and businesses are running out of patience.

Originally reported by Ben Solis in Michigan Advance.