Becerra Proposes Mileage Tax as Solution to California's Cost of Living Crisis
Critics argue the proposed tax, on top of existing high fuel taxes, is a desperate revenue grab that will further burden Californians.
California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra is facing criticism for proposing a mileage tax as a solution to the state's cost-of-living crisis. This proposal comes amid already high gas taxes and growing voter concerns about affordability.
Becerra's plan involves adding a tax based on the number of miles driven, which would apply to both gasoline-powered and electric vehicles. This potential new tax is in addition to California's existing state gas tax of 63.4 cents per gallon, which does not include federal taxes or local sales taxes.
The mileage tax proposal has drawn parallels to controversial tracking technologies, raising concerns about government surveillance of driving habits. Some critics argue that the state's motivation is not to improve efficiency or reduce pollution, but to secure additional revenue due to unchecked government spending.
This proposed tax is seen by some as a reversal of previous efforts to encourage electric vehicle adoption. The initial incentive for purchasing EVs was based on the promise of saving money on fuel, a benefit that is diminished when alternative taxes are introduced. Critics suggest that the state is now seeking to recoup lost tax revenue from gasoline sales by taxing all vehicle miles traveled.
Republicans have opposed such measures, with Republican Assemblyman Carl DeMaio having previously proposed a constitutional amendment that would have allowed voters to approve or reject a mileage tax. This amendment was reportedly blocked by Democrats.
According to the California Taxpayers Association, there are 273 tax-increasing ballot measures across the state for the upcoming election. Critics argue that these measures, combined with proposals like the mileage tax, contribute to making California unaffordable.
In contrast, Republican candidate Steve Hilton has pledged to cut the gas tax and oppose a mileage tax, a position that has earned him the endorsement of The California Post. Hilton's platform emphasizes cutting government spending and reallocating funds to maintain state infrastructure without imposing new taxes on drivers.
