KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
The price of gas is on the rise in Santa Clarita and across the nation as many states continue their reopening process, with a cost of living gas tax increase set for July, officials said.
In addition to the natural increase due to supply and demand, California drivers can expect to see the state gas tax increase 3.2 cents per gallon beginning July 1, 2020, according to the state of California.
The increase was triggered by language in the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1) which requires the state to adjust its gas tax annually to match changes in consumer prices.
“I didn’t support the gas tax in 2017 when it was first proposed and would support a delay – or even better – cancellation of the scheduled increase on July 1,” said State Senator Scott Wilk. “This is not the time to make it more expensive for people, plus, it will just hold the recovery back.”
The California State Assembly held its last session before summer recess Thursday, and despite grumblings from some members, no legislation was officially put forward to address the tax.
“Today, we finished regular business before our Summer Recess,” said Assemblymember Christy Smith. “There were no Assembly bills presented to address it.”
Beyond the tax, in the Los Angeles metro area, the average price of regular-grade fuel has risen $0.16 in the last month to $3.03 per gallon as of Wednesday, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
The average per-gallon price rose even more for California as a whole, which increased $0.21 to $3.01.
That price point makes gas in California the second most expensive in the nation, behind only Hawaii at $3.18, according to AAA.
“Californians pay substantially more than most other states for gas already,” Wilk said. “According to Reform California, by 2021, many Californians will be paying almost $2 more per gallon than other states because of our extensive taxes, fees and government mandates tacked onto gas.”
These increases are not unique to California however, as the national average price has continued to trend upward in the last two weeks according to the most recently released Lundeberg Survey, which tracks U.S. fuel markets.
The price nationally has increased $0.11 to reach $2.16 per gallon.
Gas prices still have quite a way to go however to return to similar levels as this time in 2019.
The on-going COVID-19 pandemic and related “Safer at Home” orders across the nation lead to a sharp decline in demand for gas in recent months, according to the Lundeberg Survey.
As states have started their reopening processes that demand has started to steadily increase, driving the increase in price, however, drivers are still saving at the pump relative to 2019 prices.
At $3.01 a gallon, California drivers are getting an average discount of $0.80 per gallon compared to June 2019, according to the AAA.
Nationwide savings relative to 2019 are similar, where Americans are currently experiencing a $0.68 discount per gallon on average at the pump.
Sponsored Articles
KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Sure, let’s continue to increase gas prices even when people have been out of work and haven’t been able to pay their bills.
Gas prices in California are the highest in the nation…I have plenty of family and friends in other states who are paying $2/gallon (in some areas, they are paying LESS than $2/gallon).
So don’t make it sound like we Californians are getting a great deal on gas prices and we shouldn’t complain about a hike in gas taxes!
Will we EVER get a break here in CA?
You can thank all the idiot’s who voted for Governor Brown and his gas tax. Then you can blame all the idiot’s who didn’t repel this gas tax in the last election go around…..morons. This state is so awesome. Let’s talk about “Project Room Key” next!!
I have yet to speak with anyone that has had the balls to say they voted for the tax. Was the bill written so bad that a no vote meant yes. There was controversy but only exposed at the last minute. As the third largest user of gasoline in the world wouldn’t you think California would get a discount based on volume. How about $1.25 a gallon. Where are the taxes going for highway improvement, got lots of expensive signs up claiming road construction which doubles fines in construction zones, another good tax revenue however no work being done. How about giving the commuters the weekend off because CALTRANS has the weekend off, so we all suffer some more. How about 24 hour seven days a week until the projects are complete, that way we only be 24 instead of 25 years behind on our “infrastructure” projects. I have done nothing to solve a problem so I guess it is time for a recess. See you in a few months.
According to Christy Smith “There were no Assembly bills presented to address it”.
Well, why didn’t she offer a bill to help her constituents? She could have offered a joint bill with another member from her left-wing party. This demonstrates that she is not a leader – but just waits for bills to cross her desk, all while soaking the electorate with more taxes.
Remember, Christy Smith is running for Congress again. She offers/promotes boycotts of small business, and now more proof of not helping those in need by not stopping the increase to the gas tax on July 1, 2020. What a shame. Among the calls of those to resign – Christy must resign today!
“Chip-in” is used by a group of friends going out for pizza, or sharing the cost of gas on a road trip….not to elect a left-wing candidate – but Christy Smith wants you to “chip-in” for her campaign – like many of the democrat candidates running for office in California – “chip-in” is the new supposedly make you feel good buzz word of this campaign cycle.
If Christy needs funding, all Christy has to do is ask Katie Hill’s out-of-district donation pals for help and not ask the people who can least afford to “chip-in” to her campaign. What a disgrace – just end your congressional campaign right now and save your friends their money. Why spend more money on another campaign where you already lost?
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT
The Liberals want us out of our cars, yet they allow illegal aliens to get driver licenses!! The Liberals create “road diets” causing more congestion/ideling and a waste of gas! Why don’t they all take buses, bikes and rail to cut down on gas consumption thus helping supply and demand!? They don’t care about the taxpayers!