Skip to content
Independent and accessible public media is needed more than ever.
Help us continue keeping communities informed and inspired.
Keep public media independent and accessible
Donate Now

View thank you gift options

CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • topics
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

Car Fees Cast Long Political Shadow in California

  •  Katie Orr 
Monday, November 25, 2013 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
  

They led to the recall of one governor, and the election of another. Adjusting California vehicle license fees can be tricky.

Governor Pete Wilson lowered them in the 1990’s from two percent of vehicle value to less than one percent. Steve Boilard, Executive Director of the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University, said Governor Gray Davis increased the fee again and it was major factor in his recall. Then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger cancelled the Davis increase hours after he took office. 

“There’s some kind of ‘don’t tread on me’ aspect that applies to the vehicle," Boliard said.

He the decrease in the fees costs California about $4 billion a year. And most of that money went to local governments.

A group headed up by a former CalTrans director is now considering whether to pursue an increase of the fees. But Boilard points out, under this proposal, the revenue would have a specific purpose.

“It’s another example of what’s been come to be called ballot-box-budgeting," he said. "Which is locking up some piece of revenue to only be spent on one purpose, in this case roads.” 

While repaved roads may provide a smoother ride, the bumpy past of California car registration fees could make an increase a non-starter.

 


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 capitolcapitolcapitol

Katie Orr

Former Health Care Reporter

Katie Orr reported for Capital Public Radio News through December 2015.  Read Full Bio 

Sign up for ReCap and never miss the top stories

Delivered to your inbox every Friday.

 

Check out a sample ReCap newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

Thank you for signing up for the ReCap newsletter! We'll send you an email each Friday with the top stories from CapRadio.

Browse all newsletters

More Stories

Kathy Keatley Garvey / UC Davis

Get a closer look at spiders at UC Davis 'Eight-Legged Encounters' this weekend

June 23, 2022

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade

June 24, 2022

Kris Hooks / CapRadio

The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. Here's what it means for California.

June 24, 2022

Most Viewed

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

California tax relief: What’s in the deal

California coronavirus updates: Pfizer says tweaked vaccine offers better protection against omicron

The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. Here's what it means for California.

Downtown Sacramento shooting: What we know and latest updates

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

California tax relief: What’s in the deal

California coronavirus updates: Pfizer says tweaked vaccine offers better protection against omicron

The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. Here's what it means for California.

Downtown Sacramento shooting: What we know and latest updates

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Careers & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2022, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.