Gov. Gavin Newsom has suggested a plan to give every vehicle owner in the state a $400 tax refund in the form of a debit card in a bid to curb the state's increasing gas prices.
In a video posted to Twitter, Newsom introduced the initiative. The idea is part of a $11 billion package that his office claims will assist residents to cope with rapidly climbing gas prices. According to AAA, the average price of gas in California is $5.88 a gallon.
"That direct relief will address the issue that we all are struggling to address, and that's the issue of gas prices," Newsom said in the video. "Not only here in our state, but of course, all across this country."
The reimbursements, according to the governor's office, would include $400 for each registered vehicle a person owns, up to a total of two. Those who own electric automobiles are also eligible, although most businesses with fleets of vehicles are not.
Furthermore, Newsom's office proposed providing substantial grants to make public transportation free for up to three months.
While Newsom waits for the idea to be approved by the state legislature, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp put into law a state income tax rebate that will see households in the state get payouts ranging from $250 to $500.
The $1.6 billion bill, H.B. 1302, is expected to provide for the payments in the coming weeks. Checks will be sent to residents who filed state income tax returns in 2020 and 2021.
"I just signed HB 1302, returning over $1 billion in surplus funds to GA taxpayers," Kemp tweeted. "As Bidenflation runs rampant across the country, in the Peach State, we are bringing this relief to hardworking Georgians-because that's YOUR money, not the government's."
Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is pushing lawmakers to pass bigger rebate checks instead of a 28-cent per gallon gas tax holiday.
Walz's proposal, according to KSTP in the Twin Cities, asks for direct payments of $500 for single taxpayers earning less than $164,400 and $1,000 for couples earning less than $273,470.
"With a historic surplus, we have an opportunity to provide direct relief to Minnesotans and invest in the future of our state," Walz said in a statement. "Amid global economic uncertainty, direct payments are one of the best ways to make it easier for Minnesotans to pay their bills. Right now, we have the resources to send $1,000 to Minnesota families."
