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published on May 12, 2017 - 11:53 AM
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The Fresno Chamber of Commerce has weighed in on Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed transportation tax hike by officially opposing the legislation.

The bill would raise the gas tax by 12 cents, diesel taxes by 20 cents and vehicle registration fees anywhere from $25 to $175 annually.

“There’s little question California is dealing with a crisis when it comes to the condition of our roads,” said Fresno Chamber President/CEO Nathan Ahle in a statement. “However, the Legislature and our leaders in Sacramento have continued to ask for additional revenues for far too long, and each time that Californians have entrusted them with additional funding they have misused the monies and left us all with the bill and bad roads.
 
This legislative proposal, like those in recent years, does not guarantee that these new tax dollars will go towards funding any of the projects that have been used as marketing techniques by the Governor and Legislative leaders,” Ahle continued. “Furthermore, there’s no indication in this proposal that the Central Valley will receive its fair share, especially considering the additional burden placed on businesses and residents in our region due to the nature of our travel patterns. We need to find a solution to our state’s ongoing transportation issues that respects the investments Californians are already making in their infrastructure while not continuing to dramatically hike the price at the pump for consumers and businesses.”

The Fresno Chamber joins business, agricultural and other local and statewide organizations in opposing SB-1.

A Senate panel on Monday approved the measure, and it is expected on the Senate floor for a Thursday vote.

The California Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the tax hike.

“Raising additional revenues for transportation will not be an easy vote when the time comes, but doing nothing will only ensure deterioration in the system necessary to move people and goods,” said Allan Zaremberg, CalChamber CEO, in a statement. “We look forward to our partnership with the Governor and the Legislature on this important issue as we work toward a comprehensive solution.”


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