Historically high gas prices across the country are not expected to discourage people from traveling for the Independence Day holidays. AAA forecasts travel to reach 98% of pre-pandemic levels by July 4. “Despite high inflation, despite high gas prices, people will still come out and take their summer vacation,” said Aldo Vazquez, spokesman for the AAA Northern California. “Our data shows that more and more people are traveling this year than last year. The overwhelming majority of these people are choosing to drive to their destinations even though these prices are so high,” he said. But some people KCRA 3 spoke to said they were hoping for a break from high gas prices. “The vast majority of people are really preventing them from having a quality of life,” driver Mary Ellen said. On Sunday night, state lawmakers scored an agreement on the 2022-23 budget framework that included an “inflation relief” f” tax refund for millions of Americans. The deal also suspends the state sales tax on diesel. | MORE | 23 million Californians will receive “inflation relief” payments after a budget deal has been struck, state leaders say. Payments would be issued to taxpayers via direct deposit refunds or debit cards by the end of October, according to the Newsom administration. But those with whom KCRA 3 spoke said the refund wasn’t coming soon enough. “Too little , too late. People need help and we don’t get it.” gt driver Mike Taylor. “It’s like a slap in the face that this petty gesture isn’t just meant to offset high gas prices, high food prices and higher rents,” Quinn told Hester about driving daily and eating out less — to save money for summer travel.
Historically high gas prices across the country are not expected to discourage people from traveling for the Independence Day holidays.
AAA forecasts travel to reach 98% of pre-pandemic levels by July 4.
“Despite high inflation, despite high gas prices, people will still get out and take their summer vacation,” said Aldo Vazquez, spokesman for AAA Northern California.
“Our data shows that more people are traveling this year than last year, and an overwhelming majority of these people are choosing to drive to their destinations, even though these prices are so high,” he said.
But some people KCRA 3 spoke to said they were hoping for a break from high gas prices.
“For ordinary people, for the vast majority of people, this really stops them from having a quality of life,” said driver Mary Ellen.
On Sunday night, state lawmakers reached agreement on the 2022-23 budget framework, which included a tax break payment to provide “inflation relief” to millions of Americans. The deal also suspends the state sales tax on diesel.
| MORE | 23 million Californians are set to receive “inflation relief” payments after the budget deal closes, state leaders say
The framework would provide direct payments of up to $1,050 to 23 million Californians — a number that includes taxpayers and their families. The payments would be issued to taxpayers via direct deposit refunds or debit cards by the end of October, according to the Newsom administration.
However, those KCRA 3 spoke to said the rebate was not coming soon enough.
“Too little too late. People need help and we’re not getting it,” said driver Mike Taylor.
“It’s a slap in the face that this petty gesture isn’t just meant to offset high gas prices, high food prices and higher rents,” said Quinn Hester.
AAA said its research shows people are cutting back on their daily expenses — driving less and eating out less — to save money for summer travel.