California gas tax repeal initiative garners overwhelming support

Supporters of the gas tax repeal have collected enough signatures for the November ballot, according to Shawn Steel, the California Republican National Committeeman from California.

Republicans are targeting a law approved last April by the Democratic-controlled legislature and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown. It increases the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and diesel fuel by 20 cents per gallon. It also includes a new annual vehicle fee ranging from $25 to $175 depending on the type of automobile. It is expected to raise $5.4 billion annually and will be used to repair roads, bridges and improve mass transit.

Needing about 585,000 signatures, Steel told FOX Business’ Stuart Varney they’ve collected 900,000 signatures for the ballot measure that would withdraw the price increase on gas.

“There’s so many things – taxes that are hidden that people don’t appreciate – when you go to the pump and you put in 20 gallons and then you see that your cost is a lot higher – that upsets people,” Steel said on “Varney & Co.” on Thursday.

Steel said the effort garnered support from all parts of the state.

“No resistance – nobody says ‘no.’ They said it’s going to repeal the gas tax and that’s something that people understand,” he said. “This is something that’s visceral that people feel.”

In California, drivers pay about 80 cents more per gallon for gas, compared to the national average, Steel said.