Commentary and Opinion By Donna Westfall – July 1, 2023

 As if gas prices weren’t high enough already in California…

As of TODAY, gas taxes in California will increase by 8%!

It’s never been clearer – Democrats don’t care about the thousands of Californians already struggling to make ends meet. In fact, they even REJECTED Republican efforts to suspend the tax increase.

Starting July 1, prices at the pump will go up by 4 cents per gallon — increasing the excise tax rate from around 54 cents per gallon to around 58 cents per gallon. The average gas price in California is more than $1.25 higher than the national average.

It is important to consider the potential repercussions of increasing the gas tax, including the population’s desire to remain in the state.

California’s gas taxes and its strict clean-air policies don’t explain away all of the $1.23-a-gallon difference. Over time, the price of crude oil and the price of gasoline move with supply and demand. Many factors affect both. Recession, pandemic and higher prices tend to tamp down demand; war, collaboration among oil states and tax incentives can limit supply.

Think it’s time to switch parties? I did that 16 years ago after seeing how rotten the Democratic Party was in this town. However, the Republican Central Committee isn’t much different. They say, “Vote for Common Sense” but endorse folks that are pro-tax.

Doesn’t even seem to matter because between our Crescent City, City Council and Del Norte County Board of Supervisors, (BOS) you can count on increased taxes. How long do you think you can hold on before everything has been priced out of your income?

What this town needs now is three people each that are ANTI-TAX to have the courage to run for office for City Council and BOS!