SACROMENTO – Republican lawmakers on Wednesday said that providing much needed relief from the state’s high cost of living will be their top priority this year, but their proposals face the difficult path of a democrat-led state legislature.
The bill, released Wednesday morning, addresses prices at gas pumps, creates tax credits for low-income renters, and tax-free tips for workers such as bartenders and nail polishers.
“This is the number one issue for California voters and the cost of living,” said James Gallagher, Yuba city’s Republican Congress leader.
Gallagher introduced Congressional Bill 286. This will order the Utilities Commission to reduce electricity bills by 30%. The bill is part of the numerous foundations of the GOP Act in the conservative principle of reducing government-imposed costs and reducing taxes.
Assembly member Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) sponsored Congressional Bill 1443, an action to gain tips from the service industry, barbers and ride-share driver disclaimers, an idea similar to the proposals supported by President Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris during the 2024 election.
Assembly Bill 12 author Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) aims to eliminate the low-carbon fuel standard costs established by the California Air Resources Commission. He and others raised concerns last year over the board’s forecast that gasoline prices could reach up to 47 cents per gallon in 2025 and an average of 65 cents per gallon between 2031 and 2035.
“The district I live in has more than half of the population in commuter situations, many of which are over 100 miles a day,” he said.
Another bill in the package of Assembly Bill 838 introduced by Assembly Member Tri Ta (R-Westminster) provides assistance to low- and middle-income renters. We will specifically explain those who offer tax credits to people in a particular income group, earning $25,000 and $50,000 a year.
“We all know that California is home to some of the most expensive rental markets in the country, and that it’s because of the high cost of housing in the state,” TA said. “It’s not uncommon for residents to spend a significant portion of their income on housing.”
Congress member Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) said he was “cautiously optimistic” when Congressional Democrats push their baggage forward.
“Everything should be on the table to make this condition more affordable,” he said. “I hope we can find a bipartisan solution.”
Wallis has introduced Congressional Bill 121. This is the biggest tax cut that cuts personal income tax, reducing it by 1%. According to the bill, the bill will modify the income tax rate and taxable income class by imposing an income tax rate of 3% rather than 4%.
“I live in Coachella Valley,” Wallis said. “One of the reasons I took office was because so many friends and family had left the state.”
Democrats have introduced a series of affordable bills, including one proposal by Congressional member Alex Lee (D-San José) to permanently CalFresh, the state’s food stamp system.
The bill by council member Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) would increase access to free dental and vision screenings for thousands of housing indifferent students.
Another bill package from assembly member Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) proposes plans to help develop foster parents by improving housing stability and providing financial support to patients seeking care who are already in medical debt or who are already experiencing homelessness.
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