DATE:
June 3, 2025
19
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT:
Title
STOP THE PROPOSED STATE GAS TAX INCREASE (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Residents across San Diego County continue to contend with significant increases in the cost of living, driven largely by rising utility rates and surging housing prices. Among these financial pressures, the cost of gasoline continues to stand out as a particularly burdensome and unavoidable expense for working families and businesses alike. California consistently reports some of the highest gasoline prices in the nation. As of early 2025, the statewide average remains substantially above the national average, due in large part to the state's fuel excise tax-currently set at 59.6 cents per gallon, the highest in the country. This tax imposes a disproportionate burden on middle- and lower-income residents, particularly in regions like San Diego County where public transportation options remain limited and private vehicle use is a necessity.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the State of California is scheduled to implement an additional increase of 1.1 cents per gallon to the gas tax, effective July 1, 2025. This would push the total tax burden on drivers to nearly 61 cents per gallon. In light of California's current economic climate, particularly for us here in San Diego, such an increase is both untimely and unfair.
Today's action proposes that the San Diego County Board of Supervisors formally request a suspension of the scheduled gas tax increase. Doing so would reflect the County's commitment to fiscal responsibility and the economic well-being of our residents, especially those in unincorporated areas who will be disproportionately affected.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SUPERVISOR JIM DESMOND
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to prepare and transmit a formal letter to the Governor of California and to the members of San Diego County's State Legislative Delegation, respectfully requesting the immediate sus...
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