LOCAL LAWMAKERS REACT TO PASSAGE OF BUDGET
“The state’s gas tax is going up. Californians will rightfully be upset. The Governor and the Legislature could have suspended the state’s gas tax and stopped this. But by choice, the ruling party in Sacramento is choosing not to do so. The result will be more rising costs on practically everything.
“Some will simply tout the amounts of money that will be spent — while the reality is that the crises will worsen because of the lack of oversight and the unsustainability of this framework. Californians are demanding more transparency and accountability while Sacramento continues to operate in secret. We need to focus on the basics and achieve measurable results.”
— Assemblyman Vince Fong,
R-Bakersfield
when it leaves out our most vulnerable elderly population — who are trying to survive on a fixed income while paying inflationary prices and the nation’s highest gas prices. Instead, we should utilize the surplus funds to suspend the state gas tax altogether and provide real relief for California families.”
— State Sen. Shannon Grove,
R-Bakersfield
“This year’s State Budget invests in California by increasing per-student spend
ing to among the highest in the nation, expanding tax credits for working families having a
hard time paying for their gas and grocery bills, providing relief for our small businesses, and providing more money in SSI (Supplemental Security Income) checks for our seniors.
“I am proud that this budget will protect California from the next crisis. Our work brings $240 million into the district in an impactful and meaningful way.”
— Assemblyman Rudy Salas,
D-Bakersfield
A representative for state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, D-Sanger, said she was on the road Thursday and unavailable to comment.