Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made. Otto von Bismarck
Californians saw the how gas tax sausage was made last night. Hopefully, they enjoyed the show because they will be paying for it to the tune of over $5 billion a year.
Promises were made to a number of legislators to spend money in their districts to secure their votes, such as the $400 million set aside for a commuter rail line to capture the lone senate Republican yes vote from Anthony Cannella. The spending promises added to the budget bill—if they are fulfilled—will put an added strain on the state’s finances.
But the fight, long into the night to get the necessary two-thirds vote—three Democrats held back their votes until succumbing to arm-twisting by Democratic colleagues—is not over.
Here’s a problem for those who voted for the tax: Elections will come up before many road fixes start but after taxes are being collected.
The transportation fixes promised to be fulfilled by the tax increase will take time. Yet, the tax collection will begin soon. Voters will ask themselves why they are paying so much more in taxes and not seeing the benefit.
That was probably on Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi’s mind. He was defeated by David Hadley in the 66th Assembly District in 2014, then won his seat back during the 2016 presidential election. No presidential election in 2018 with its higher voter turnout and Muratsuchi will have to defend the gas tax vote.
Hadley recently announced he is contemplating a run for governor. Now he may re-consider and try for his old seat back.
The lone Democrat in the Senate who opposed the tax, Steve Glazer, said his constituents were opposed to the taxes and fees by a two to one margin. How many other Democrats will find that to be true in their districts?
California is becoming too costly for many of its residents.
Yes, California roads need fixing. It would cost money, even new tax dollars. But, the legislature continues to shape budgets by calling for more spending, absorbing new dollars as the budget grows and demanding even more money while not off setting new spending obligations by fixing huge liabilities such as pension costs. The spending demands inevitably require new taxes. The legislature is not done asking for new taxes.
Voters will get fed up. The spending and tax balloon will burst. It’s happened before in California.