Daily we are barraged by politicians and others warning us of so many problems and the impending end of the world as we know it. They run the gamut from healthcare to immigration control, from abortion to guns, and it seems that the warnings differ greatly, and everyone accuses the other side of being liars, crooks, and incompetent.
A recent example:
Side 1 – California AB1421 will raise your gas taxes, as you will soon be paying a mileage-based tax. This will be in addition to all your current gas taxes (highest in the U.S.), and it will drive more companies and taxpayers out of California. It is coming soon.
Side 2- There is no gas tax bill currently in the Assembly. AB1421 is a bill to extend the time limit for establishing a committee to write a report as to how a mileage tax could be designed as an alternative to the current gas pump taxes.
So how do you know what is actually happening? I recommend checking AB1421 yourself. It is simple. Go to leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, enter the bill number, and read the bill yourself.
The final section of the bill reads:
“This bill would require the commission, in consultation with the Transportation Agency, to consolidate and prepare research and recommendations related to a road user charge or a mileage-based fee system. The bill would require the commission to submit a report, as specified, on the research and recommendations described above to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature by no later than January 1, 2035. The bill would require the commission to consult with appropriate state agencies and other stakeholders, as specified, in preparing the research and recommendations and report described above.”
This is an extension of a recently expired bill. Note that the only change is a crossed-out date and a new date entered. When I checked the bill’s status this week, only one reading had been completed. It has a long way to go.
Why is Assembly Member Lori Wilson proposing this extension? There are some people who are worried about the growing number of electric vehicles being added each year in California. They do not pay any gas taxes. So, we should all keep an eye on this bill. Will the Senate or Assembly pass it, and will the Governor sign it? Will they ever establish the committee? Will the committee ever come up with a plan? Will the Assembly and Senate ever pass the plan?
I have so many other issues to follow that, as Scarlett said, “I’ll worry about that tomorrow.”
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