Business Group Discusses Repeal of State Gas Tax

Business leaders should work to repeal an increase to the state’s gas tax, members of a local group heard Friday morning. More than 40 people attended the meeting of California Business & Industry Alliance in a conference room at Industrial Metal Supply in Sun Valley. Carl DeMaio, founder and chairman of Reform California, told the group how and why they should get involved with the repeal effort. “Never underestimate what individuals can do when you do a little bit and get your friends to do a little bit,” DeMaio said. The gas tax increase went into effect in November, raising the tax by 12 cents to 41.7 cents per gallon from 29.7 cents per gallon. The tax on diesel fuel went up by 20 cents, increasing to 36 cents a gallon from 16 cents a gallon. The repeal effort also targets an increase of the annual vehicle fee of between $25 and $175 depending on the value of the vehicle. DeMaio outlined his group’s plans of regional meetups in June and July and large rallies and press conferences in September that he hopes will get media coverage. “We need to make this audacious,” he said. Over the past year, Reform California has raised $2.5 million for the repeal effort, with no donation exceeding $1,000, DeMaio said, adding that much of the money raised came from small-money donors. Also speaking at the meeting was Tom Manzo, founder of California Business & Industry Alliance and president of Timely Prefinished Steel Door Frames in Pacoima, who discussed the group’s efforts to reform the Private Attorney General Act, a state law that allows employees to file lawsuits against companies for labor code violations, even if the employees weren’t affected by the violations.