SACRAMENTO – On July 1, Californians experienced another blow to their wallets as gas taxes increased once again, all thanks to a law passed by legislative Democrats six years ago: Senate Bill 1 (2017). Despite the promise of billions of dollars from SB 1 to address the state’s crumbling roads and pothole-ridden highways, California remains among the top 10 states with the worst road conditions, as reported by Consumer Affairs. In terms of overall cost-effectiveness and condition, our highway system languishes at a disheartening 47th position nationwide.
Recent events have revealed a distressing trend among legislative Democrats—a disregard for the very constituents who entrusted them with their votes. Even with an opportunity presented by California legislative Republicans to halt the gas tax increase on July 1, Assembly Democrats chose to retain the tax hike, burdening drivers with up to an additional $600 million at the pump. This refusal to provide relief to hardworking Californians is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, Senate Minority Caucus Chair Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) introduced Senate Bill 5 (2023), which aimed to pause the annual gas tax hike and lessen the tax burden on drivers. Unfortunately, Sacramento Democrats rejected SB 5 in committee, once again ignoring the needs of their constituents.
“California’s highways have only deteriorated further in condition and cost-effectiveness since the substantial gas tax hike in 2017,” voiced Senate Minority Caucus Chair Janet Nguyen. “Halting this gas hike is a matter of common sense. Families grappling with persistently high gas prices desperately require relief. Sacramento Democrats possess the means and capabilities to enhance affordability and safety in California, yet there seems to be a persistent failure in achieving these vital objectives. Their recent inaction is merely the latest example of this.”
The facts presented by Consumer Affairs regarding California’s road conditions provide a stark reality that cannot be ignored:
- More than half (52%) of the state’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
- Each year, California drivers spend an average of $808 on costs resulting from driving on deteriorating roads.
- The American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) Infrastructure Report card rates California’s infrastructure with a C-minus.
These statistics paint a concerning picture of the state’s transportation system, one that demands urgent attention and effective solutions from our elected officials. Unfortunately, the continued failure of legislative Democrats to address these pressing issues suggests a detachment from the concerns and needs of their constituents.
As voters, it is crucial to hold our elected representatives accountable for their actions and decisions. Their primary responsibility is to serve the people who entrusted them with their votes, not to pursue personal agendas or neglect the pressing issues affecting Californians’ daily lives. By staying informed, engaging in constructive dialogue, and participating actively in the democratic process, we can demand the transparency, accountability, and genuine representation we deserve.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2023 CONTACT: Jacqui Nguyen 858-999-7706
Legislative Democrats Swerve around Opportunity to Provide Relief for Drivers
SACRAMENTO – Gas taxes are going up again on July 1, thanks to a six-year-old law Senate Bill 1 (2017) passed by legislative Democrats. Despite billions of dollars from SB 1 that were promised to fix California’s pesky potholes and dilapidated roads, the Golden State is in the top 10 states with the worst roads according to Consumer Affairs while our highway system ranks 47th in the nation in overall cost-effectiveness and condition.
This week, California legislative Republicans gave Capitol Democrats another opportunity to halt the gas tax on July 1, which will cost drivers up to $600 million more at the pump. Assembly Democrats chose to keep the tax hike in place. This wasn’t the first time this year they were presented an opportunity to reduce tax burdens for drivers. Senate Minority Caucus Chair Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) introduced Senate Bill 5 (2023), which would have paused the annual gas tax hike. Sacramento Democrats rejected SB 5 in committee.
“California’s highway condition and cost-effectiveness has only gotten WORSE since the massive state gas tax hike in 2017,” said Senate Minority Caucus Chair Janet Nguyen. “Halting this gas hike is common sense. Families burdened by still high gas prices are in need of relief. It is well within the means and capabilities of Sacramento Democrats to enhance affordability and safety in California, but unfortunately, there has been a continued shortfall in achieving these goals. Their recent inaction is just the latest example of this.”
More from the Consumer Affairs’ report on how California fares with the roads:
- More than half (52%) of California’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition;
- Drivers in the Golden State spend an average of $808 each per year on costs resulting from driving on bad roads;
- The state received a C-minus on the American Society of Civil Engineer’s (ASCE) Infrastructure Report card.
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