SACRAMENTO – Today, on a party-line vote, Assembly Democrats ensured California drivers will pay an extra $600 million next year by rejecting Republicans’ attempt to suspend the state’s upcoming gas tax increase. The 8% tax hike, which will take effect July 1, is a regressive penalty on drivers that will make California’s affordability crisis even worse, just as people hit the road for the 4th of July.
“Californians are struggling with the high cost of food, energy, housing and gas. Pushing the gas tax even higher means families will have fewer opportunities and less food on their table,” said Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel). “That is not the California I want to live in. By rejecting my effort to suspend the gas tax increase, the Legislature missed an opportunity to make life better for California drivers.”
“Pausing the gas tax hike is a common-sense approach,” expressed Janet Nguyen, Senate Minority Caucus Chair from Huntington Beach. “Families who faced significant hardships last year and are still burdened by high gas prices are in need of relief. As parents carefully allocate their budgets to juggle expenses like food and gas, it is important for all lawmakers to prioritize initiatives that can truly make a positive impact. It is well within the means and capabilities of Sacramento Democrats to enhance affordability and safety in California, but unfortunately, there has been a continued shortfall in achieving these goals. Today’s events are just the latest example of this.”
WIth the upcoming tax increase, California will solidify its status as the state with the second-highest gas tax in the nation. Coincidentally, California also has the second-highest retail gas prices – $1.28 above the national average. This comes as AAA anticipates that a record-breaking number of 50.7 million Americans are set to travel 50 miles or more this 4th of July weekend.
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