Valadao, McCarthy call on Calif. governor to suspend state’s gas tax

To provide Californians with relief from soaring gasoline prices, U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) and U.S. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) led the California House GOP delegation in seeking an immediate halt to the state’s gas tax for six months.

“We write with serious concerns regarding fuel costs for California families. In recent months, the price of a gallon of gas has risen dramatically, with gas prices in California being the highest of any state in the country,” wrote the lawmakers in a March 15 letter sent to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “With this in mind, we ask you to take immediate action to provide relief by suspending California’s excise tax on gasoline for six months.”

While acknowledging that all Americans are struggling with the current 7.9 percent inflation rate and gas prices that have risen nearly 40 percent from this time last year, the lawmakers pointed out that California continues to tax gasoline at 51.1 cents per gallon.

“This, in conjunction with other taxes and fees, results in Californians paying the highest price per gallon in the country,” they wrote. “California’s high taxes represent an added burden, and working Californians simply cannot afford gas prices approaching $6 per gallon.” 

Rep. Valadao, Rep. McCarthy, and their colleagues also acknowledged that the state gas tax is an important funding source for several programs, but wrote that they think the state’s projected budget surplus of $31 billion is enough to sustain the programs through a temporary suspension of the gas tax.

Additionally, the state is expected to receive billions of dollars in federal support for road projects and the repair and replacement of bridges. “The state’s surplus budget and new federal funds give you the opportunity to pass desperately needed savings on to ordinary Californians,” they wrote.

The lawmakers added that “now is the time to pursue all avenues of relief.”