They have opposed this effort in the past. But this tax policy can t be defended by allowing government to cry poor. This debate is about basic fairness. Paying a tax on a tax is like paying a tax on an income tax refund. The debate also needs to recognize the impact of that tax policy on those who pay it.
Sales taxes are regressive taxes.
Those least able to afford the taxes spend the largest share of their income paying them. And we must further recognize that this is a regressive tax on a virtual necessity. Consumers simply can t stop buying gasoline. They need their cars to get to work, to get their kids to school, to go to the doctor, to go to the grocery store . But the basis of my support for AB 1315 is an issue of fairness, one that needs to be pursued regardless of the price of gasoline.