Bogh’s bill to pause gas tax immediately, killed without discussion in legislature

Today, Senate Democrats killed an effort to suspend the state’s gas tax, without discussion.

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh tried introducing a bill this week to immediately halt the state’s excise tax on gasoline, a move that could have provided significant economic relief to California consumers at the pump.

“Our families across the state are facing unprecedented financial strain,” said Bogh. “From groceries to utilities, the cost of living continues to soar. I’m deeply disappointed in the legislature’s decision to continue ignoring real solutions for lowering gas prices. It is our legislative duty to support struggling families, and one critical step we can take is to provide immediate relief from the burdensome state excise tax.”

Bogh’s measure would have suspended this gas tax for one year and ensured cost savings were passed directly to the consumer. If passed, the bill would have taken effect immediately.

Earlier this week, Bogh introduced her bill, only to be told it did not fall under the scope of the Extraordinary Session. The Senate Rules Committee should have made this decision in a public hearing. Such actions undermine the integrity of our legislative process.

Not giving up, Bogh sent a formal letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire urging Democrat leadership to reconsider their decision but was ultimately shot down.

Bogh authored an op-ed outlining her efforts to help reduce fuel costs, titled “California families need a break at the pump, let’s suspend the gas tax today.” The piece was published in all 11 newspapers of the Southern California News Group.

According to the Auto Club, the current price for a gallon of gas in California is $4.67, while the national average is $3.20.

“It is time we start delivering for the people we’re elected to serve,” Bogh concluded.