CSAC Backs AB 1421 to Study Long-Term Solutions for California’s Transportation Funding Gap

CSAC is supporting AB 1421, which creates a research-driven process to inform future transportation funding decisions to replace declining gas tax revenues a bill that seeks to is a study bill. It directs the California Transportation Commission to assess critical concerns about how infrastructure fixes and improvements are funded while reducing the burden on working families. The Commission would report its findings to the Legislature and the public by January 1, 2027. The report will provide options for the state to responsibly maintain its transportation infrastructure as gas-tax revenues decline.

California’s transportation system is essential to public safety, economic vitality and everyday mobility. However, as vehicle technology evolves, funding that counties rely on to maintain their roads is disappearing, and fewer drivers are left paying more than their fair share at the pump for maintaining California’s transportation infrastructure. According to the CTC, the transportation funding shortfall that the state and local communities are already facing is expected to grow by approximately $31 billion over the next 10 years. To be clear:

• AB 1421 does NOT raise taxes or create new fees. 
• AB 1421 does NOT impose a road-user charge or authorize implementation of one. 
• AB 1421 does NOT negatively impact rural or long-distance commuters. In fact, the research it authorizes is intended to examine how future solutions can reduce burdens on low-income and long-distance drivers. 

The goals of AB 1421 are supported by CSAC’s Transportation platform, which recognizes that additional funding is required and efforts to obtain these sources should be supported.