By now you may have heard of the gas and car tax that is costing California taxpayers more than they bargained for at the pump and in vehicle fees.
The fairly new tax raised gallon prices in order to fund roadway repairs and improve on other highway projects.
The steady increase of gas prices caused an outrage among many Californians who disagreed with the tax entirely and petitioned to repeal it, which voters will decide on in November's election. California had some of the highest gas prices in the nation this year.
But a recent Mercury News article ponders whether "the historically predictable post-July Fourth decline in fuel prices will make a difference, voting-wise."
Jonathan Lansner writes about the eight other states that also experienced rising gasoline taxes this year in order to fund transportation projects. Lansner also looked at 23 years worth of pump prices statewide and nationally, to look at seasonal pricing trends. He found that on average, fuel is cheapest in January, peaks in late spring, then begins an ascent that lasts the rest of the year.
Lansner concluded California drivers pay 23 cents less a gallon by Halloween and then another 23 cents less by Christmas which comes to a total 15 percent drop.
The annual drop in gas prices might be a little stress reliever for some but the November ballot will show how taxpayers really feel, even after a decrease in taxes.
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