California gas rebate: Drivers could get up to $800 under proposal
LOS ANGELES - California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a proposal Wednesday to help Californians battling some of the highest gas prices in the U.S., including $400 rebates to all drivers in the state, as well as a plan to make public transit temporarily free.
Under the proposed $11 billion relief package, $9 billion will go to rebates for registered drivers. Drivers will be eligible for $400 per vehicle, up to two vehicles per person, which adds up to $800. The rebate will come in the form of $400 debit card issued to all registered vehicle owners. Electric vehicles will also be included.
"We’re taking immediate action to get money directly into the pockets of Californians who are facing higher gas prices as a direct result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine," Newsom said in a press release. "But this package is also focused on protecting people from volatile gas prices, and advancing clean transportation."
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- California gas rebate could bring some relief to drivers
- Californians could soon get a $400 gas rebate
Another $2 billion will go towards other things such as free public transportation for three months; a pause on inflation adjustments to gas and diesel excise tax rates; and incentives to prioritize biking and walking projects throughout the state, to name a few.
Newsom's proposal comes just a week after California lawmakers proposed a similar $400 gas rebate for all taxpayers. Under this proposal, every California who files their taxes will receive a rebate—including those who don’t own or drive a car.
When will it be available?
The governor's team says it plans to meet with state legislators in the coming days to hash out the details. Once approved, California drivers could see payments as early as July. Eligibility will be based on vehicle registration, not tax records, according to the governor's office, and will not have an income cap.
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