Last week, the State’s Assembly Republicans introduced an array of legislation to address the cost of gasoline and utility rates and to provide much-needed relief to working families. Local Assemblyman Gregg Wallis is the author of several bills in the package.

“For years, Californians have been struggling under the weight of high taxes and skyrocketing costs, all while Democrats in Sacramento refuse to offer real solutions,” Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (AD 3 East Nicolaus) said in the press release. “Our plan provides tangible relief and delivers the affordability that hardworking families deserve.”

The legislative package is composed of 13 separate bills and targets the rising costs of food, gas, housing, insurance, health care and utilities — key issues that have driven families and businesses out of the state, according to the Republicans’ interpretation of a study from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

A major piece of this package is Assembly Bill 1219, which Wallis authored. This bill would expand the lower tax brackets and lower the tax rate by 1 percent for each bracket.

In the press conference, Wallis described AB 1219 as the largest tax cut in California’s history and the legislature’s opportunity to serve its constituents.

“Californians are struggling with the rising cost of living,” Wallis said in his press release. “Many families are making tough financial decisions every day, and some are even leaving the state because they can’t afford to stay. AB 1219 will provide real relief, giving people more of their hard-earned money to support their families, invest in their futures, and strengthen our communities.”

AB 1219 combines the two lowest tax brackets into one with a ceiling of $8,650 and lowers the tax rate to 1 percent from 2 percent. For the four higher tax brackets, the tax rate is lowered by 1 percent. Thus, for all California tax payers of taxable income equal to or greater than $23,950, the tax rate will be 8.3 percent rather than the current rate of 9.3 percent.

The same adjustments are made for “Head of Household” taxpayers.

“California families don’t have reserves to fall back on — they have bills to pay and tough choices to make,” Wallis continued. “AB 1219 will make those choices a little easier.”

Wallis, along with Assemblymembers Joe Patterson (AD 5 Rocklin) and Gallagher, also introduced AB 12 which would “. . . void specified amendments to the Low-Carbon Fuel Standard regulations adopted by the state board on November 8, 2024.” (See story on page x,)

Other bills in the package would require the State Public Utilities Commission to lower utility rates by 30 percent; Increases the renter’s tax credit to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers; and suspends gas tax and stops any further increases to the gas tax.