California Braces For Gas Tax Increase On July 1

Californians will start paying a bit more in gas taxes starting on July 1, reports FOX26.

In addition, the cost of gasoline in Southern California has climbed to its highest point in years.

Prices at the pumps are about $4.26 for a gallon of regular gas in the San Diego area, according to FOX5.

But prices are rising everywhere. The U.S. average price of gas rose 2 1/2 cents from last week to $3.09 per gallon on Monday, June 28, according to GasBuddy.

Still, California is the state with the highest prices per gallon at $4.27 and is followed by Hawaii at $3.96.

To keep up with the inflation, the gas tax in California is going up another 0.6 cents making it a total of 51.1 cents.

Some politicians are urging people to say no to the gas tax increase.

According to state Senator Andreas Borgeas says that the average family of four in California would pay as much as $800 a year in gas taxes.

“The last thing Californians need is another tax. The gas tax should be put on hold immediately," said Borgeas.

On the other hand, Caltrans says they've only been able to fulfill its SB1 (Road Repair and Accountability Act) obligations because of the extra funding.