SACRAMENTO, CA – The entire California Congressional Republican Delegation issued a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday in support of Assembly Bill 1638, legislation by Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) that would suspend the gas tax and provide families 51 cents per gallon in relief. From the letter:
"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. 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.
“All Americans are struggling against an inflation rate of 7.9 percent, and the cost of gasoline is up nearly 40 percent from this time last year. Even as prices skyrocket, 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. While market forces are responsible for today's extreme prices, California's high taxes represent an added burden, and working Californians simply cannot afford gas prices approaching $6 per gallon.
“With the cost of goods rising across the board and the price of a gallon of gas at record highs now is the time to pursue all avenues of relief. We call on you to immediately suspend California's excise tax on gasoline for six months.”
In a separate statement on Fox Business, Congressman David Valadao who authored the letter said:
“[On Monday], the Democratic supermajority in California had an opportunity to provide real relief to hardworking California families who are struggling with record breaking gas prices. It is unfortunate they chose not to put more money back into the pockets of Californians by suspending the gas tax."
On the same day, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to send a letter to the governor asking for a temporary suspension of the 51 cent-per-gallon state gas tax.
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley represents the 6th Assembly District, which includes the Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado County communities of Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Orangevale, Penryn, Rocklin, Roseville, and Sheridan.
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