SACRAMENTO – With gas prices nearing $5.50 per gallon for regular gasoline in California, Sen. Janet Nguyen, R-Huntington Beach, on Tuesday pushed an amendment to suspend the state tax and fuel surcharge for one year, which would reduce the price of gasoline by one dollar. per gallon.
Senator Nguyen’s proposal comes on the same day that residents of another state have lowered gas prices with the suspension of the gas tax.
Without hesitation, Senate Democrats blocked the effort, without even considering it for debate, on a party-line vote.
Among those who voted to reject the project was State Senator Steve Padilla.
“California drivers now pay $1.63 more per gallon than the national average,” said Senator Janet Nguyen.
“We are introducing legislation that will provide much-needed relief to drivers struggling with the high cost of living in California. “It is disappointing that the Democrats in the Senate are engaging in political games and not even debating a legitimate step on the floor of the Senate,” he criticized.
High gas prices, coupled with California’s already high cost of living, will hurt those who can least afford it.
With high food prices, skyrocketing utility bills, housing prices forcing families to flee, and high inflation, Californians need relief wherever they can get it.
In the final days of the session, Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-San Diego, vowed to continue the fight for California workers by not only lowering gas prices but also stopping the efforts by Democrats to increase taxes.
“Our fight is far from over,” said leader Jones.
“Californians are paying the highest gas prices in the nation, while Democratic lawmakers are rejecting common sense solutions to provide relief.
“Suspending the gas tax is not a partisan solution; in fact, it was endorsed by President Biden,” Jones said.
According to the House Republican leader, every day, Republicans in California work to reduce costs, by suspending the gas tax or fighting the endless tax increases proposed by the majority party.
“While my Democratic colleagues hide behind procedural steps and reject solutions to save Californians money on the pump, I will continue to openly oppose their ill-advised measures that increase every day. cost,” he concluded.
