"July 1st: Gas Tax Hikes Hit California and Illinois Residents"

California's gasoline tax is set to increase by 4 cents per gallon on July 1, making it one of the highest tax rates on gas in the nation. The tax increase is part of the Road Repair and Accountability Act passed in 2017, aimed at improving the state's roads and transportation systems. The average gas price in California is already over $1.25 higher than the national average. Some Republicans have called for the suspension of the tax increase, citing the high cost of living in the state. California officials are also considering changing the gas tax system to account for the rise in electric and hybrid vehicles.