SACRAMENTO — Today, California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson released the following statement in response to California Democrats’ annual gas tax increase:

“As if living in California wasn’t expensive enough, starting today, Californians can expect to pay eight percent more in the state’s gas tax thanks to Gavin Newsom and California Democrats. Despite Legislative and House Republicans’ efforts to stop the increase, Democrats refused. Their insatiable thirst for even more of California taxpayers’ hard-earned money completely disregards the struggles of those who are forced to choose between filling up their gas tanks or buying groceries. If Democrats’ recklessness continues, the only driving that will increase is from even more Californians heading towards the exits for more affordable red states.”