By Jim Desmond
As you know, we’re facing a critical situation with soaring gas prices, escalating energy and utility costs, out-of-control housing expenses, and relentless inflation driving up the prices of goods and services. Many of our fellow Californians, including seniors on fixed incomes and hardworking families, are finding it increasingly difficult to afford even the most basic necessities.
With these challenges, it is inconceivable that the State of California is once again moving forward with a gas tax increase. Effective July 1, the Gas Tax is slated to rise by an additional 2 cents, bringing the total tax burden to a staggering 59.6 cents per gallon. This comes at a time when California already has the highest gas prices in the nation, further exacerbating the financial strain on our residents.
According to recent data from AAA, the average cost of gas in California has soared to nearly $5.40 per gallon, a sharp contrast to the national average of $3.66. Such disparity is not only unjustifiable but also unsustainable.
We must take immediate action to address this issue. While I personally believe we need a complete suspension of the gas tax, at the very least, we must prevent this impending increase. Our State legislators possess the authority to halt this measure, and they must hear directly from us, their constituents.
I urge each of you to contact your Assemblymember and State Senator and express your concerns about the gas tax hike. Let them know that Californians’ pump burden is already too heavy to bear, and further taxation will only deepen the financial hardship faced by many.
State Senator -18th District
(619) 409-7690
State Senator – 38th District
(760) 642-0809
State Senator – 39th District
(619) 688-6700
State Senator – 40th District
(858) 547-3818
Assembly – 74th District
(760) 433-7400
Assembly – 75th District
(858) 566-7538
Brian Maienschein
Assembly – 76th District
(858) 675-0760
Assembly – 77th District
(858) 481-7704
Christopher Ward
Assembly – 78th District
(619) 280-7801
Akilah Weber
Assembly – 79th District
(619) 465-7903
David A. Alvarez
Assembly – 80th District
(619) 498-8580
I am actively exploring avenues within San Diego County to combat this issue legislatively. However, our efforts will only be successful with the collective voice of our community behind us.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions on how we can tackle this challenge together.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
https://www.supervisorjimdesmond.com/
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond · 1600 Pacific Highway, #335, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
