The Rural Reality vs. The Urban Luxury - proposed mileage tax (AB 1421)
Dear Neighbor,
Last year, I drove 52,800 miles serving our district. Under the proposed mileage tax (AB 1421), I would be forced to pay $5,000 out of my own pocket—simply for doing my job.
I don't have a private jet, and I don't live near a major airport. Like many of you, I drive to work, typically at least 15-20 hours every week because that is the reality of representing rural California.
The Rural Reality vs. The Urban Luxury
Rural Californians don't drive long distances by choice; we do it to work, seek medical care, and raise our families. The math behind this proposal is staggering: At just 4¢ per mile, a rural commuter could pay $845 a year, compared to $106 for an urban commuter working the same job with the same hours. Same work. Same responsibilities. Eight times the driving.
Too Many Unanswered Questions
AB 1421 is full of holes that will ultimately be filled with money from your pocketbook. We deserve to know:
Who pays for work travel—the employee or the employer?
What about driving to educational activities or our kids' games?
What about our truck drivers who are already maxed out on fees, regulations and taxes?
Are emergency services (Fire/Police) and school buses exempt?
Do we have to pay if we drive on non-state roads?
How does this affect travel for out-of-state trips or medical appointments?
How are they going to track this?
I want to hear from you. To help me fight this in Sacramento, please fill out our survey with your typical monthly mileage and the county you reside in by clicking HERE: How Would a Mileage Tax Affect You?
Equity must account for geography, not ignore it. I will continue to push back against any policy that treats rural life as a taxable luxury.
