The state Assembly killed a proposal to provide relief to residents paying sky-high gasoline prices by suspending California’s 51-cent-a-gallon gas tax for six months. The bill, AB 1638, was defeated on a party-line vote: all 18 Republicans and one independent legislator supported suspending the gas tax, while every Assembly Democrat either opposed the gas tax suspension or did not vote.
The average price of a gallon of gasoline in California is $5.70 – the highest in the nation. Fuel costs in California are $1.41 above the national average.
AB 1683, introduced by Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin), suspends the gas tax, revenues from which go into the Motor Vehicle Fuel Account in the Transportation Fund. Under the bill, those revenues – estimated at $6.8 for the current fiscal year – would be backfilled from the state General Fund, which is projected to have a surplus of $45.7 billion, and perhaps as much as $68 billion.
Supporters of the suspension contend the gas tax hits working and poor people the hardest, especially with prices at the pump jumping to unprecedented highs.
Bill sponsor Kiley savaged Gov. Gavin Newsom’s criticism of suspending the gas tax, contrating that stance with the decision of Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, a liberal Democrat, to suspend his state’s gas tax:
Contrary to Newsom’s assertion is inaccurate: suspending the gas tax lowers the per-gallon price motorists pay at the pump, and has no financial impact on foreign oil producers.
“Myself and my Republican colleagues sought to bring immediate relief to California drivers by temporarily pausing the 50 cent gas tax imposed by the state,” said Assemblywoman Laurie Davis, a Republican who represents Orange County’s 73rd Assembly District.
“Families are struggling right now with inflation and sky-high prices at the pump. If the Sacramento-majority can expedite housing bills for UC Berkeley, there should be no reason why we cannot do the same thing for Californians,” said Davies.
“Capitol Democrats had the chance to provide struggling Californians with immediate relief at the gas pump. They refused, Assemblyman James Gallagher (Yuba City). “High gas prices and inflation are devastating California families, but Capitol Democrats’ only solution seems to be ‘buy a Tesla.’”
How Did Orange County’s Delegation Vote?
Orange County’s delegation to the state Assembly split along party lines, with every Republican supporting suspension of the gas tax.
Democrat Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva voted against suspending the gas tax, as did Assemblyman Tom Daly, who last week announced he would not seek re-election in November.
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, who is facing a tough re-election in November after being drawn into a new legislative district with GOP Assemblyman Steven Choi, abstained.
Voted In Support Of Gas Tax Suspension
Voted Against Suspending Gas Tax (Or Abstained)
