California would be paying more than $8 billion for the bill, and California would get free transportation for three months.
California is the state with the highest average gas prices. Cal Matters reports that a plan is slowly emerging to help Californians cope with rising gas prices. California’s government plans to offer debit cards for gas purchases and free or reduced-priced public transportation to offset the rising cost.
California’s gallon averages $0.68 less than Nevada’s closest competitor, which is $5.23 per gallon. Missouri has the cheapest gas at $3.78, or $2.13 more than California.
Governor Gavin Newsom has called for funds to be distributed to California residents who have registered vehicles in an effort to reduce the impact of the unusually high gas prices. California’s government would give $400 debit cards to Californians who have registered vehicles. There is a maximum of two rebates per person. Cal Matters reports that the debit cards will not arrive in California until July at a cost of $9 billion. California Governor Jerry Brown is trying to delay the increase in gasoline and diesel taxes that were expected to generate more revenue than $1 billion.
The legislators are also keen to help those who use public transport. California will set aside $750 millions to help local rail and bus agencies, which will provide free public transportation for a maximum of three months. The support will be beneficial to approximately three million Californians who use public transport.
These relief bills will become even more important as gas prices rise.