California State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh said on April 27 that Californians face a complex and growing system of taxes, fees, and surcharges that affect household budgets across the state.
Ochoa Bogh highlighted how residents pay income tax, federal tax, payroll deductions, and disability insurance before they even receive their paycheck. She pointed out that once people spend their earnings, they encounter sales taxes at stores, gas taxes at the pump, property taxes in the mail, vehicle registration fees in the fall, and utility bills with various surcharges.
The senator also drew attention to charges created by regulatory agencies such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which imposes emissions-related fees impacting fuel prices and goods costs. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approves utility surcharges for energy programs and grid upgrades. In Southern California, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) adds its own set of rules affecting businesses and households.
Ochoa Bogh noted these agencies are led by appointed officials rather than elected lawmakers: “These agencies are not elected bodies. Their leaders are appointed, and their decisions are made through regulatory processes that most Californians never see. Yet their policies carry real financial consequences.” She said these costs often appear in monthly bills or everyday purchases without clear visibility for consumers.
She provided details about California’s progressive income tax structure—ranging from 1 percent to 13.3 percent depending on earnings—and described how local sales taxes can push combined rates above 10 percent in some cities. Property owners face additional assessments beyond general property taxes due to local bonds or special district fees.
The senator called for more transparency around government spending: “We must have an honest conversation about whether government programs are effective and whether they still serve their original purpose.” She urged policymakers to review existing revenues before proposing new charges or programs: “Before asking residents to pay more, we should ask whether existing revenues are being spent effectively… And when a program no longer delivers results, are we willing to reform or sunset it — or do we simply add another tax?”
Ochoa Bogh concluded by emphasizing accountability: “Californians deserve full transparency on the taxes they pay… At a time when affordability is the defining issue for families across our state, we must be honest about the cumulative burden.” She posed an open question for policymakers: “That leads to a simple but urgent question: When is it enough?”
