California Assembly candidates Guerra, Nguyen ignore invitation to comment on gasoline pricing transparency legislation
Notwithstanding concerns about the threats to American democracy, pollsters say the economy is a top-of-mind concern as the 2022 mid-term elections quickly approach. Within the realm of the economy, voters are concerned about inflation and, to a lesser extent, a recession.
For California voters, inflation, especially with the highest in the nation gasoline prices, has universally affected consumers. Although gasoline prices have eased recently, they are substantially higher than a year ago. .
While the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing states to ban abortions is expected to affect many elections nationally, it will not be consequential between 10th District California Assembly candidates Sacramento City Councilmember Eric Guerra and Elk Grove City Councilmember Stephanie Nguyen. Both Democratic candidates support abortion rights.
Aside from homelessness, which is an issue between the two Democratic candidates, inflation and economic concerns could assume large roles as voter issues. California Senate Bill 1322 is legislation that seeks transparency in gasoline prices in California, which are the highest in continental United States.
Supporters of the bill include Los Angeles-based Consumer Watchdog who argues price transparency could reveal the exorbitant profits California refiners are making at the expense of California motorist. Consumer Watchdog further argues pricing transparency can address refiners claims that the state’s environmental standards increase costs.
“To protect consumers, more information about California refinery operations needs to be made public so that (we can) monitor and hold the market accountable,” Jamie Court, president of the Consumer Watchdog advocacy group said.
The legislation has passed the California Senate and is in the California Assembly. To see how they view the bill, Guerra and Nguyen were emailed on Tuesday inquiring if they would support the legislation if they were in Assembly.
Nether candidate responded to the inquiry.
Earlier this week District 8 State Senate candidates Angelique Ashby and Dave Jones were invited to comment on pro-consumer legislation to protect to comment on fast food workers from wage theft. Both candidates indicated if they were in the State Senate they would support California Assembly Bill 257.
