Gas Tax and Fees Repeal Made it to November Ballot (Los Angeles: real estate, insurance)

[sdlife619]

The gas tax wouldn’t have been such a big deal if the state just left the vehicle registration fees out of it.

At the same time, it’s the point that the leaders didn’t allow the voters to vote on the measure.

California is a shady state when it comes to how our tax dollars are being spent. We have one of the worst infrastructure in the nation, with our roads being rated in poor condition in many metro areas, yet we have the best weather in the country so that means less environmental stress and damage to the asphalt and concrete therefore the upkeep shouldn’t be that hard nor expensive even with all the traffic jams, and insane amount of vehicles.

But because of the nice weather, the attention and urgency to maintain our roads has been put on the back burner way too long, and I honestly don’t think the political culture will ever change at the state capital any time soon as long as we continue to keep voting in career politicians that don’t give a damn about the people, and our quality of life.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by citizensadvocate

I would be curious would this be another failed ballot measure like many in California before i.e SB270 aka prop 67 where the only people who vote are the strong pro tax groups. Though its true that the gas tax has not be adjusted for inflation for many years. I guess California would not want Baja California to beat them in gas prices which was shortly the case back in 2017 when Mexico deregulated gas prices but before the new CA gas tax kicked in. Otherwise we will have more Baja residents from south of the border clogging our streets and causing wear and tear without paying for it.

While I don't like new taxes in already overtaxed California I would be curious of the consequences should the ballot measure worked and repealed the tax. Seeing how California works I would bet they would quickly think of a new way to screw the residents of their hard earned money and in worse ways than the gas tax.

I'm not sure where people get the idea that taxpayers are entitled to vote on every fee and tax increase. My federal tax burden will go up because of the changes that were made in the tax bill, I don't recall being able to vote on that one.

[BB_210]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

I'm not sure where people get the idea that taxpayers are entitled to vote on every fee and tax increase. My federal tax burden will go up because of the changes that were made in the tax bill, I don't recall being able to vote on that one.

Asinine that you you don't question our local government, especially when it's known that they terrible at handling money. I can understand your position though, being that you have a direct vested interest in keeping these tax hikes.

[2sleepy]

Originally Posted by max210

Asinine that you you don't question our local government, especially when it's known that they terrible at handling money. I can understand your position though, being that you have a direct vested interest in keeping these tax hikes.

What is my vested interest in keeping these tax hikes, I'm retired I don't have a job doing road repair. And why did you dodge my question about the feds raising taxes without us voting on them, from what I've seen they are worse at managing their money than California is, at least California has a budget surplus

[JGC97]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

I'm not sure where people get the idea that taxpayers are entitled to vote on every fee and tax increase. My federal tax burden will go up because of the changes that were made in the tax bill, I don't recall being able to vote on that one.

Only my opinion but I think the reason people want the right to vote on these type of taxes is because they question where the money will go and when previous taxes weren't used as they promised, we are now subjected to more tax for the very same thing. I don't believe people are against taxes altogether, they just want to see the money used wisely. As for the federal government, when they make changes, it affects the entire country so essentially we (citizens) are all equal in the tax burden they are levying on us but with each state, it's different. Seeing that California is such an expensive state to live in, we (voters) would like to see our money be used as they said it would and not siphoned into other areas.

As for the gas tax specifically, it's a contentious subject because we have one of the (if not THE most) highest tax rates in the country. Another reason is that most people don't realize we actually pay the state twice on gas tax; a primary excise and a secondary excise tax.

How much you'll REALLY pay in gasoline tax in California (Hint: It's probably more than you think) - The San Diego Union-Tribune





Compared to other states and the condition of some of our roads and bridges, we don't seem to getting that much bang for our buck.

[Finper]

Originally Posted by HereOnMars

Only my opinion but I think the reason people want the right to vote on these type of taxes is because they question where the money will go and when previous taxes weren't used as they promised, we are now subjected to more tax for the very same thing. I don't believe people are against taxes altogether, they just want to see the money used wisely. As for the federal government, when they make changes, it affects the entire country so essentially we (citizens) are all equal in the tax burden they are levying on us but with each state, it's different. Seeing that California is such an expensive state to live in, we (voters) would like to see our money be used as they said it would and not siphoned into other areas.

As for the gas tax specifically, it's a contentious subject because we have one of the (if not THE most) highest tax rates in the country. Another reason is that most people don't realize we actually pay the state twice on gas tax; a primary excise and a secondary excise tax.

How much you'll REALLY pay in gasoline tax in California (Hint: It's probably more than you think) - The San Diego Union-Tribune





Compared to other states and the condition of some of our roads and bridges, we don't seem to getting that much bang for our buck.

We pay the highest tax in the country and one of the highest gas prices. This gas tax was forced on us because they knew it would never pass. If we don't fight this what's to keep Newsome from doing this again and again?? This is supposed to be a democracy for Petes sake!! No wonder the lower and middle class is giving up and leaving the state.

[Finper]

Originally Posted by 2sleepy

What is my vested interest in keeping these tax hikes, I'm retired I don't have a job doing road repair. And why did you dodge my question about the feds raising taxes without us voting on them, from what I've seen they are worse at managing their money than California is, at least California has a budget surplus

I think you know what Max is talking about. Since we have a surplus when can I expect my refund check??

[Elliott_CA]

Originally Posted by sdlife619

California is a shady state when it comes to how our tax dollars are being spent.

Voters just passed Prop 69 on an 89-19 vote. It requires that every penny of gas tax goes to roads and a strict accounting of it. There is no shadiness.

And because of this "lockbox" on gas taxes I am much more inclined to vote to keep the new gas tax.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by Elliott_CA

Voters just passed Prop 69 on an 89-19 vote. It requires that every penny of gas tax goes to roads and a strict accounting of it. There is no shadiness.

And because of this "lockbox" on gas taxes I am much more inclined to vote to keep the new gas tax.

It does not seem to cover the whole of the gas tax, just the new tax increase? If so they will spend the previous tax % as they wish. It does not require the other gas tax money collected to be spent that way.



A "yes" vote supported this amendment to:

• require that revenue from the diesel sales tax and Transportation Improvement Fee enacted by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) be used for transportation-related purposes; and

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by Elliott_CA

Voters just passed Prop 69 on an 89-19 vote. It requires that every penny of gas tax goes to roads and a strict accounting of it. There is no shadiness.

And because of this "lockbox" on gas taxes I am much more inclined to vote to keep the new gas tax.

Notice "transportation purposes" is a broad statement and allows all sorts of things that have no direct impact on ... roads. they can even give money to Universities to study the problem as I believe they have been doing for years with no real benefit or no studies would be needed.