California car owners could get a $400 stimulus check to help offset rising gasoline prices under a proposal by Gavin Newsom, California Gov.
The governor announced an $11 billion relief program as Golden State gas prices climbed above $6 a gallon partly due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted the global oil market.
As part of the tax relief program, $9 billion will be distributed to California residents in the form of a $400 tax refund for each vehicle, with a limit of two.
Another $2 billion will go to comprehensive relief, including a $750 million grant to provide free transit for three months to public transportation agencies. Up to $600 million will be used to withhold a portion of diesel sales tax for one year and another $523 million will be used to prevent an increase in gas tax rates due to inflation.
The state legislature must approve the proposal before any payments can be made to Californians. If approved, state residents could receive stimulus checks starting in July.
"We are taking immediate action to bring money directly into the pockets of Californians who are facing high gas prices as a direct result of Putin's invasion of Ukraine," Governor Newsom said in a statement. “But the package also focuses on protecting people from volatile gas prices and advancing clean transportation – three months of free public transport, fast-tracking electric vehicle incentives and charging stations, and new to local biking and running projects. funding."