By Larry Mantle, AIR TALK – KPCC 89.3FM SOCAL PUBLIC RADIO

July 1, 2019

Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment: https://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2019/07/01/64644/california-s-tax-hike-makes-the-state-s-gas-prices/

California’s nation-leading gas prices are set to climb even higher Monday, when the state gas tax increases another 5.6 cents a gallon. 

The tax is designed to raise about $5 billion a year for road and mass transit programs. The money is split between state and local governments, with much of going to fix potholes and rebuild crumbling roads and bridges, as well as funding new projects like public transportation and biking trails. 

Republicans pointed out again that the tax is increasing even as Gov. Gavin Newsom and fellow Democrats complained about high gas prices.

Newsom in April blamed possible “inappropriate industry practices” rather than higher taxes and stricter environmental rules, while California Energy Commission investigators subsequently pointed the finger at “possible market manipulation” by retailers. 

With files from the Associated Press.

Guests:

Graham Knaus, executive director of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), which represent county government before the California Legislature, administrative agencies and the federal government.

Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a California-based nonprofit organization; he tweets @RaisingHellNow