California gas tax repeal campaign seeks federal inquiry
Leaders of a campaign to repeal California’s recent gas tax increase asked the U.S. government this week to investigate their claims that public resources have been used against them.
Their allegations are based on emails and other documents that appear to show local government workers discussing the repeal effort, known as Proposition 6. In one, a San Francisco official says in an email that showing how gas tax funds benefit the city is important “to support the anti-repeal campaign.”
“It’s damning, it’s unacceptable,” Proposition 6 campaign leader Carl Demaio said Wednesday. “They are using taxpayer dollars to influence an election.”
Republican Congressman Ken Calvert requested an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s inspector general, saying some of the agencies involved receive some federal money.
De Maio said he obtained the emails through public records requests and that he also plans to file complaints with local district attorneys. He held a news conference Wednesday outlining the charges.
A spokeswoman for the anti-proposition 6 campaign denied improper behaviour.
“The No on Prop 6 campaign follows all campaign laws,” Robin Swanson said in a statement. “We’re working hard to educate voters about how damaging Prop 6 will be to the safety of our roads and bridges.”
A law called SB1 , passed by California lawmakers, raised gasoline taxes by 12 cents a gallon starting last November and diesel taxes by 20 cents. Diesel sales taxes also rose, and drivers are paying a new annual fee with their vehicle registration, ranging from $25 to $175 depending on the value of the vehicle. The taxes and fees all rise each year, based on inflation.