With California drivers paying the highest gas taxes in the nation, Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) gave Senate Democrats another opportunity to provide relief for struggling Californians who are paying nearly $2.00 in taxes and fees per gallon of unleaded gas. He offered a Floor amendment to suspend the gas tax, but Senate Democrats rejected the proposal in a party-line vote.
Today’s floor amendment drill marked Senator Strickland’s second attempt in a week to provide immediate relief at the pump for California drivers.
“The Democrat legislature said ‘hell no’ once again to lowering your gas prices, and today, they rejected another opportunity to lower gas prices for struggling Californians,” said Senator Strickland. “They fell in line with Newsom, who has rejected it. Let’s be clear, Newsom and the majority party’s policies are driving up costs at the pump. But instead of fixing what they created, they like to deflect, point fingers, and kill real solutions. What a shame that they failed Californians today.”
Senator Strickland’s attempt to amend legislation would have suspended California’s gas tax for one year, reducing prices by up to $1.08 per gallon and saving a family of four approximately $1,100.
California continues to have the highest gas prices in the nation. Today, the average price for a regular gallon of unleaded gas is $6.09 compared to the national average of $4.46.
Last week, Senate Democrats also rejected bringing Senator Strickland’s legislation, Senate Bill 1035, to the floor for debate and a vote. The bill similarly would have paused the state’s gas tax for one year, delivering comparable relief at the pump.
“The fight isn’t over. I’ll continue to advocate for families, students, and senior citizens who are crushed by the affordability crisis,” concluded Senator Strickland.