Donating to gas tax repeal bid
The infusion comes as backers of the tax hike release a study citing economic benefits.
A $200,000 infusion by the state GOP comes as backers of the tax hike release a study citing economic benefits.
SACRAMENTO — The California Republican Party has donated $200,000 to an initiative drive aimed at repealing recent increases to the state gas tax and vehicle fees as the campaign scrambles to collect enough signatures to qualify a measure for the November ballot.
The infusion of cash to the group Give Voters a Voice comes as supporters of the tax increases in Senate Bill 1 released a study Wednesday that predicted the revenue generated by the levies will significantly boost the state economy.
The initiative drive has collected 550,000 of the 585,000 signatures needed to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot that would not only repeal the taxes but also require future increases to be approved by voters.
Although the official deadline for the drive is May 21, Carl DeMaio, a leader of the campaign, said the goal is to file signatures in the next few weeks and to file more than 585,000 signatures in case some are ruled invalid.
“We have our campaign teams out collecting signatures, and we absolutely must finish the job soon,” DeMaio said in an email to supporters this week.
The support of the repeal initiative by the state Republican Party and GOP members of Congress is seen by some political strategists as helping Republican candidates in the November election who can highlight the increase in taxes by the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
Senate Bill 1, approved in April, is expected to generate $5.4 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and improvements to mass transit.
An analysis released Wednesday by supporters of SB 1 estimated it will lead to at least $182.6 billion in increased economic activity and benefits for California residents and businesses over the next 10 years, including the support of 68,203 additional jobs each year.
In addition to the wages from the new jobs and increased sales by businesses, the analysis estimates drivers will save an average of $818 million annually in vehicle repair costs because of fewer damaging potholes.
The study, by the American Road & Transportation Builders Assn., was commissioned by supporters of SB 1, including Transportation California, a coalition of construction industry and labor groups.
“Every driver in every city and county will benefit from road improvements and the economic benefits,” Roger Dickinson, executive director of Transportation California, said in a statement.