California lawmaker proposes suspending state's gas tax for a year to give drivers a financial break

As gas prices continue to be a pressing issue in the state, the debate over the gas tax suspension is expected to garner attention.Photo byRock StaaronUnsplash

California Assemblymember Tom Lackey, a Republican, has introduced a proposal to suspend California's 59.6-cents-per-gallon gas tax for a year during the Legislature’s special session on gas prices and oil supply. The gas tax is currently used to fund the construction and maintenance of California’s roadways and public transportation systems.

Lackey’s legislation aims to provide relief for consumers by requiring that the savings from the suspended gas tax be passed on to them. The funds lost from the gas tax would be replenished from the state's general fund, according to the proposal.

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom's office responded critically on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the bill would cost Lackey’s district "$1.7 billion in investments," jeopardize thousands of jobs, and worsen traffic and road conditions in California.

As gas prices continue to be a pressing issue in the state, the debate over the gas tax suspension is expected to garner attention as the special session progresses.