Strickland wants end to the gas sales tax

State Assemblymember Audra Strickland (R-Moorpark) has called on the California Legislature to stop the sales tax on gasoline as a means to help motorists at the pump.

"What the Legislature needs to remember," Strickland said, "is that California's working families are having a hard time making ends meet. Eliminating the sales tax on gasoline is something we can do today to provide immediate relief at the pump. This could save families about $4 per tank of gas-between $300 and $400 per year," she said.

The Assembly's Revenue and Taxation Committee heard Strickland's comments on Monday. The committee is expected to vote May 15 on her proposed measure.

Only three states have a higher sales tax on gasoline than California: Minnesota, Nevada and Washington. California's average for self-serve regular is 28.3 cents higher than the national average, according to the California Energy Commission.

Strickland serves the 37th Assembly District, which includes Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village.