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A new law went into effect in California, Monday, which doubles the tax on guns and ammunition purchased in the state, according to Axios.
The state excise tax is the first to ever exist in the U.S. and is expected to generate roughly $160 million annually, all coming out of the pockets of hardworking Americans already paying some of the highest state taxes. The money is allegedly going to go toward gun violence prevention efforts, including in academic environments.
The move comes less than a month after California cut more than $185 million from law enforcement and public safety in their latest budget proposal. It is unclear what these two new laws mean for actual safety in the state, which is one of the top concerns plaguing Californians. (TAKE A POLL: What Is the Most Pressing Political Issue Facing Our Country Today?)
How Do Californians Feel?
A report published in 2023 found that most Californians think they are overtaxed by the state’s unfair system. “Overwhelming majorities of adults (71%) think California ranks near the top or is above average in terms of state and local tax burden per capita versus other states,” according to a PPIC Statewide Survey.
Seven in 10 residents say they feel they’re paying more than they should be in state and local taxes. “here is rare partisan agreement on the issue. Solid majorities across partisan groups say they pay more than they should—although Republicans (56%) are far more likely than Democrats (22%) and independents (22%) to say they pay much more. Solid majorities across regions as well as demographic groups feel they pay more, and the shares saying they pay much more increases with rising income levels (25% less than $40,000, 29% $40,000 to $79,999, 34% $80,000 or more),” PPIC noted. (TAKE A POLL: Should the National Requirement for Maternity Leave Be Over 6 Weeks?)
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