California lawmakers have reached an agreement on a framework for the state’s 2022-23 budget that includes giving millions of taxpayers “inflation relief” payments and suspending the sales tax on diesel. “The centerpiece of the agreement, a $17 billion inflation relief package, will offer tax refunds to millions of working Californians,” said a joint statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon on Sunday night.
The framework includes giving 23 million Californians direct payments of up to $1,050. The payments would be issued via direct deposit refunds or debit cards to tax filers by late October, according to the Newsom administration. The state’s Franchise Tax Board estimates that all would be issued by the end of 2022 or early next year.
Taxpayers would receive either $350, $250 or $250 based on their income level with an additional payment of the same amount if they have at least one dependent. •Single filers who make less than $75,000 would get $350. Joint filers with an income under $150,000 would receive $700.
If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $350. So for example, that means a married couple earning $100,000 per year with one child would get $1,050. •Single filers who make $75,001 to $125,000 would get $250.
Joint filers with an income between $150,001 and $250,000 would receive $500. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $250. •Single filers who make $125,001 to $250,000 would get $200.
Joint filers who make between $250,001 and $500,000 would receive $400. If they have at least one dependent, they will receive an additional $200. It’s unclear when a suspension of the state’s diesel sales tax could start or for how long it would last.
This comes as the last word on Friday was that a suspension of a gas tax was off the table as Newsom and Democratic leaders refused, arguing it would not guarantee a big enough price drop to benefit drivers. Sunday’s deal also includes additional funding to help people pay for rent and utility bills. The release from the governor and legislative leaders also said California would “become the first state to achieve universal access to health care coverage” but does not spell out the details.
And the framework would provide more than $200 million in additional funding for reproductive health care services. “This budget builds on our unprecedented commitment to transform the resources available in our state, from a $47 billion multi-year infrastructure and transportation package to education and health care, showing the nation what a true pro-life agenda looks like,” the joint statement said. The deal comes as Californians have struggled with rising gas prices.
On Sunday, the state’s average gallon of regular gas cost $6. 321. Although that isn’t as high as the record of $6.
438, which was set on June 14. And diesel prices are even higher at $6. 973.
| INTERACTIVE DATA BELOW | County-by-county look at gas prices in the greater Sacramento region This is a developing story, stay with KCRA 3 for the latest. .
From: kcra
URL: https://www.kcra.com/article/23-million-californians-get-gas-relief-payments-after-budget-deal-struck/40427442
