New gas tax is tricking California taxpayers

“Article XIX of the California Constitution requires gasoline excise tax revenues from motor vehicles traveling upon public streets and highways to be deposited in the Highway Users Tax Account, for allocation to city, county and state transportation purposes.” But the bill would make available $5 million to implement policies to promote pre-apprenticeship training programs to carry out specified projects funded by the account. Eligible projects shall include, but not are limited to, sound walls for a freeway.

But the bill goes on to say “a specified portion of these gasoline excise tax revenues is deposited in the General Fund.”  

The General Fund can be used for elementary and secondary education, higher education, public assistance, Medicaid, natural resources, and corrections and rehabilitation.

This bill would allocate some of tax revenues to the State Parks and Recreation Fund to be used for state parks, off-highway vehicle programs, or boating programs.  

In the story, “Gas tax up today” in the Nov. 1 edition of the Daily Journal, the MTC’s Rentschler said “It’s unfortunate transportation funding was diverted during the recession.”

All of these proposed uses of gas tax revenue may be worthwhile. But they should be funded separately. And if funds intended for road repair were diverted in the past, what’s to prevent it from happening again?

I’m afraid California taxpayers have been badly duped.

Robert Baker

San Mateo