SACRAMENTO – Today the California State Assembly jammed through Senate Bill X 1-2 which would provide the ability for unelected bureaucrats to impose penalties on oil companies that will lead to higher gas prices. Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) opposed the bill and provided the following statement:
“My office has received a tremendous amount of emails and calls about how high the cost of gas is in California.” Said Dixon, “It is unfortunate that the Democrats chose to pass a policy that will inevitably exacerbate consumer costs further. Californians are burdened with some of the highest gas taxes in the nation because of hyper-regulatory policies the State passes.”
According to AAA, gas prices in California are up to $4.82 per gallon today, $1.38 more than the national average, and gas prices are expected to climb near $7 per gallon this summer.
“At the beginning of the Legislative Session, I introduced Assembly Bill 16 which would allow the Governor to suspend the annual gas tax due to hardship on low income communities and families.” Said Dixon, “But it hasn’t even been set for a hearing. We are capable of creating significantly better policies that would implement real change for our communities. It is a shame the majority party is forcing our constituents to choose between putting food on the table, heating their home or filling their gas tanks. In other words, the one-party legislature wants every Californian out of their car and on public transit.”
SB X 1-2 was rushed through the Senate last week without Republican support. Today, the bill passed the Assembly on a 52-19 vote, with all Republicans in opposition. Next, it should head to the Governor where he is expected to sign the bill into law.
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