California drivers are paying over $2 more than those in other states
Californians are paying as much as $7.39 for a gallon of gas with a statewide average of $5.89, while the national average is $3.83. This skyrocketing price cuts into families’ already strained finances. Republican lawmakers call upon the Governor to convene a special session of the Legislature to temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax.
Below and attached is a copy of their letter:
September 28, 2023
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor
1021 O Street
Sacramento CA, 95814
Dear Governor Newsom,
Gas prices are once again soaring, and Californians are paying $2 more per gallon than the rest of the country. Drivers are spending more than $100 each month just on gas. This elevated energy cost cuts into family’s already strained budgets.
We ask you to call a special session of the Legislature to temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax. Californians are paying $0.58 per gallon to the state. Immediate relief is needed.
California is an energy island with isolated resources which makes our state reliant on foreign imports if more domestic production is not allowed.
In December 2022, you convened a special session of the Legislature and unveiled a proposed penalty on oil production. With prices again near record highs, Californians are rightfully upset as current policies are not working.
As you are aware, there was a temporary suspension of the diesel sales tax in a previous budget. Energy experts have noted the lack of production permits and an isolated energy market that places more cost burdens on hard-working Californians.
Hence, we call upon you to convene a special session of the Legislature to temporarily suspend the gas tax. By suspending the gas tax, everyday Californians can better afford to commute to work and drive their children to school and work.
Sincerely,
Vince Fong
Assemblymember, 32nd District
James Gallagher
Assemblymember, 3rd District
Megan Dahle
Assemblymember, 1st District
Joe Patterson
Assemblymember, 5th District
Josh Hoover
Assemblymember, 7th District
Jim Patterson
Assemblymember, 8th District
Heath Flora
Assemblymember, 9th District
Juan Alanis
Assemblymember, 22nd District
Devon Mathis
Assemblymember, 33rd District
Tom Lackey
Assemblymember, 34th District
Greg Wallis
Assemblymember, 47th District
Phillip Chen
Assemblymember, 59th District
Bill Essayli
Assemblymember, 63rd District
Tri Ta
Assemblymember, 70th District
Kate Sanchez
Assemblymember, 71st District
Diane Dixon
Assemblymember, 72nd District
Laurie Davies
Assemblymember, 74th District
Marie Waldron
Assemblymember, 75th District
Brian Dahle
Senator, 1st District
Roger Niello
Senator, 6th District
Shannon Grove
Senator, 12th District
Scott Wilk
Senator, 21st District
Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Senator, 23rd District
Kelly Seyarto
Senator, 32nd District
Janet Nguyen
Senator, 36th District
Brian Jones
Senator, 40th District
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CONTACT
Nghia.Nguyen@asm.ca.gov
916.813.8367
Assemblyman Vince Fong represents the 32nd Assembly District, which encompasses Kern and Tulare Counties.