Gov. Rick Snyder earlier this week signed a measure to boost road funding by $1.3 billion. Few people will argue Michigan’s roads are badly in need of repair, with last year’s extremely cold winter taking a further toll on infrastructure.

However, the bipartisan package of 11 laws is contingent on state voters approving an increase in the Michigan sales tax to 7 percent in May.

The package would restructure and ultimately increase flat per-gallon fuel taxes while exempting fuel from the state’s 6 percent sales tax. Gasoline and diesel taxes would be the same, vehicle registration fees would not be dropped in the three years after a new car purchase. Also, extra fees would be assessed on electric and hybrid vehicles and a tax credit would be restored for low-wage earners.

However, all this will be in the hands of the voters – not legislators – on May 5.

Groups representing labor, the environment and the financially disadvantaged are in favor of some parts of the package that raise taxes to improve roads.

School leaders are on board with the fact that school funding would rise by $300 million annually, while municipal leaders advocate the package because aid to local governments would rise by $95 million a year.

On the other hand, conservative activists say the package represents a big tax increase.

Snyder called the measure “a smart investment” citizens can make to ensure road, schools and municipal improvement.

Whether it’s a boon for infrastructure, schools and governments or a huge tax hike – or both – the decision will come out of voting booths on May 5, not the Capitol in Lansing.

This is political genius on the part of the administration and Legislature, which can point to either result as the “will of the people.”

Now it’s up to voters to make the final decision on the matter. And given the fact that it is voters who are driving on the highways and bridges each day, maybe that’s the appropriate road to travel.