California Dems plotting sneaky mileage tax under Becerra, GOP lawmaker warns: They just want more money

California’s mileage tax study is approaching the finish line — and a prominent Republican lawmaker warns Democrats are preparing to reach deeper into drivers’ wallets.Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, told the California Post that Gov.-elect Xavier Becerra and Democratic lawmakers are “champing at the bit” to charge motorists by the mile, potentially using annual odometer checks to calculate bills he warns could come on top of existing gas taxes.“They’re proposing everyone does a mileage tax — and they’re not suggesting that we’re going to get rid of any of the gas taxes or car taxes,” DeMaio told the California Post.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story Becerra reignited the debate during an October interview with KCRA, saying “everything should be on the table” when asked whether he would support a mileage-based tax to maintain California’s roads.He argued that electric vehicle owners, who sidestep paying gas taxes, should help pay for the infrastructure they use.Becerra’s campaign subsequently pushed back on characterizations that he had backed a mileage tax.“Secretary Becerra has not proposed a mileage tax,” campaign spokesperson Jonathan Underland previously told The Post. Officials for Gov.-elect Becerra did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.DeMaio said Becerra’s willingness to consider charging motorists by the mile should alarm Californians already struggling to afford the drive to work, particularly those who live far from their jobs because housing closer to employment centers is too expensive.DeMaio argued that Becerra’s past remarks showed more than a willingness to consider options.“He said, ‘everything’s on the table,’ and then he started arguing in favor of it,” DeMaio said.

“He lit...