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By: Anthony Rendón Updated 03 Apr 2022, 23: 59 pm EDT
Legislative leaders have a saying that we use every year during this season.
“Our budget reflects our values.”
We do our best to distribute California funds on things that represent our ideals.
This includes funds for education. In recent years, I have worked to improve the flow of funds to early education and child care programs because that reflects my thinking. We have to support our children to create a stronger California.
Other issues that we have worked hard on to receive the necessary funding are: affordable housing, environmental justice, climate change climate change, improved public transportation, and clean energy.
All of this has one thing in common: Supporting the people of California.
In particular, my values include those who most need assistance.
You have probably often heard of the economic need that exists among many Californians.
The problem is the price increase.
But what can the state do? There are many ideas.
One of those ideas is the temporary elimination of the gasoline tax, but that idea has many problems.
If in recent years you have seen improvements and repairs on the roads, you have seen the operation of the gasoline tax.
Nobody wants to see potholes in the streets. We need good roads to get our children to school, to get to work, and to transport the goods we buy in stores.
We also have to improve other aspects of public transport, these improvements receive funds from the gasoline tax. We need this tax.
Another idea is to give a refund to everyone who owns a vehicle.
This is fine for some people, but does not benefit others with low incomes. It also doesn’t help with the high cost of food, energy and housing prices.
I’m working on something that I think may be more beneficial , and offer assistance to Californians who need it most and deserve it.
We may be able to offer a refund that doesn’t necessarily mention gas.
We have to make sure that it benefits people with low and medium income. The wealthiest don’t really need it, as an editorial recently pointed out in the LA Times.
Finally, we have to make sure it goes to Californians regardless of their immigration status.
We all know that most immigrants are contributing economically and paying taxes. They deserve this help.
I can’t reveal all the details yet, but I hope you can hear about the plan this month. We must do it soon.
Californians need financial relief.
Anthony Rendón is a California Assemblyman.