Mar
10
2022
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By Tad Weber, Fresno Bee’s Opinion Editor
… “Here’s some advice for the governor: Be generous. Don’t skimp. Give Californians some real relief. And do it fast — like now.
“There are several reasons he should act with boldness and urgency and ignore the hand-wringing of fellow Democrats in the Legislature who want to pump the brakes on suspending the gas tax. For one thing, another huge budget surplus is coming California’s way. … Newsom’s budget now accounts for a nearly $46 billion surplus. Before that figure was developed, the two-year surplus (2020-21 and 2021-22) was estimated at $76 billion.
“Californians already face high housing and energy costs. Having the price of gas skyrocket is too much. …
“A gallon of regular unleaded in California cost an average of $5.57 on Wednesday, according to AAA.
“That price was miles above the national average of $4.25. … Each gallon pumped in California includes 51.1 cents in state tax; federal taxes add more. For diesel, the primary fuel powering the San Joaquin Valley farm equipment, the per-gallon state tax is 38.9 cents. …
“…when a state budget surplus comes around — again — it is only right that it be used to provide real relief at the pump, SUSPEND THE TAX. The Legislature’s Democratic leaders from Southern California — … — are hesitant to shelve the gas tax.
“The state Senate’s GOP leader, Scott Wilk of Lancaster, said “Democrats are tone deaf if they think people don’t need a break at the pump.”
“Gotta say, I agree with him.”
Click here to read the entire editorial published in today’s Fresno Bee.