Brown signs mega-tax to fix Calif. roads, bridges
By Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times
California motorists will start paying higher gas and diesel taxes on Nov. 1 under legislation signed Friday by Gov. Jerry Brown to provide $5.2 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and expanded mass transit in the state.
The plan, which also includes new fees when vehicles are registered, has sparked a significant backlash. Opponents have launched a recall campaign against one senator and are talking about a possible initiative to roll back and control the taxes and fees. Other lawmakers said they received harassing phone calls about their votes on the bill.
But state officials hope the sight of construction crews on long-neglected highways and roads will compensate for pain in the pocketbook.