Meltzer holding gas card giveaways every week until Labor Day

By Erin McClary
C & G Staff Writer

MACOMB COUNTY — In lieu of a failed sales tax repeal on fuel earlier this year, one local politician is doing what she can to relieve some “pain at the pump.”

State Rep. Kim Meltzer, R-Macomb, Clinton and Ray townships, has been giving away $100 gas cards once a week to tri-county residents “in response to (the government) doing nothing.”

In an effort to address rising fuel costs, state Rep. Rick Jones, R-Oneida Township, authored a bill to repeal the state’s 6 percent sales tax on gasoline from Memorial Day to Labor Day this year. Meltzer co-sponsored the repeal, but it was shot down.

As a result, she’s come up with her own repeal — or reprieve, if you will— to help out until Labor Day.  And the money to do it is coming from her own pocket.

“I didn’t want to be thought of the legislator that could’ve done something but didn’t,” she said. “This is to help ease the pain at the pump over the summer. And the people so appreciate it.”

Meltzer argues that there are already enough taxes on gas, and that drivers shouldn’t have to pay sales tax on gas when there is a state surplus of $353 million.

Currently, there are three taxes on gasoline: a federal tax, a gas tax and sales tax. She said 4 percent of Michigan’s 6 percent sales tax goes into a general fund, and the other 2 percent goes to the School Aid Fund. Reasons behind the failed repeal include concern over what it would’ve done to the SAF, she said.

“Remember, there is $353 million in surplus,” she said. “That will make up for the SAF during repeal.”

Meltzer explained the repeal would’ve cost the state $230 million, but she strongly believes the state’s current surplus would cover the loss, and that it would all be for a good cause: helping citizens during a time of financial struggle.

So far there have been 11 winners of more than 1,000 entries. On Aug. 6 during a post-election Unity Breakfast at the Republican House in Utica, Meltzer drew her 11th winner’s name out of the hat.

Robert McInnis of Clinton Township was the lucky driver and said he was taken aback when he got her call. He was thrilled with the win.

“I have early adult children living with me that have money issues,” he said. “This way I can help them out with a tank of gas.”

McInnis said that he first heard about her gas card giveaway when Meltzer was “canvassing his neighborhood.” Before that he hadn’t known about the repeal attempt.

Meltzer has had winners from Detroit, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township and more, and said out of her 11 winners only four or five have been from her district.

Part of the reason she decided to take on the giveaway was because she believes people should have a say in their spending and know where their money is going.

“Transparency is a big issue for me,” she said. “Spending is something people should know about.”

In November Meltzer will be running against Democratic candidate Andrew Prasiloski, who beat out Scott Mazey in the partisan race Aug. 5, for 33rd District state representative seat.

To enter in her gas giveaway contest, send an e-mail with your name, address and phone number to districtmeltzer@yahoo.com. Drawings are held once a week.

You can reach Staff Writer Erin McClary at emcclary@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1118.