New gas tax leading to increases at the pump

Regular gasoline is going up 12 cents per gallon. Diesel is increasing by up to 20 cents per gallon.

Lawmakers said the extra cash will go toward infrastructure.

“That’s crazy, that’s crazy, it’s too much, too fast,” said Adrian Escarsega, from Thousand Palms.

“We pay the highest taxes in all the country, so why do we have to pay an extra 12 cents,” said Stephanie May from Anza.

The state is looking at $52 billion in revenue over the next decade with the increase in gas prices.

The increase starts Wednesday, along with additional car fees.

Officials said the money is being used for road repairs and public transit.

“I don’t buy it. I think it’s just to bring money into California because they’re overspending,” said John Skene from Calabasas.

“It’s going straight to their pockets. They’ve got their yachts to pay for, big houses, private jets,” Escarsega said.

Hybrid and electric car owners aren’t off the hook. Starting July 2020, they will have to pay a $100 annual fee.

Petitions are being signed throughout California in an effort to repeal it, something local resident Sandi Anderson plans to join in on.

“It’s going to add a lot to our family budget and my husband and I each travel 20,000 to 30,000 miles with our businesses,” Anderson said. “It’s a huge hit, so we’re going to find out what we can do personally on a local level.”

Others are discouraged about any plans to repeal the tax.

“You can’t do anything. they’re just like ‘this is what we’re going to do and too bad if you don’t like it,'” said one local resident. “The government is out for the money, but where do we get our money? We’re not getting anything extra, we’re not getting any help.”

With enough signatures, a repeal would require a ballot measure likely not possible until November 2018.

On the other hand, some people say they’re okay with paying the price.

“The infrastructure issue here in Southern California is needed. It’s a necessary evil, unfortunately, said Jim Saulnier, Thousand Palms. “We gotta have the roads in good condition because everyone uses them. Based on that, I’m not going to fight it, I’ll accept it.”

Additionally, by January 2018, drivers will have to pay an annual vehicle fee. This will cost 25 to 175 dollars per year depending on the value of the car.