“Stay Out Of Our Wallets” Dr. Bains’ Statement on Passage of Energy Package

• Adam Capper
• (916) 319-2035
• [email protected]

(Sacramento, CA) September 13, 2025 - Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) released the following statement in response to the passage of a package of energy reforms on the last day of the 2025 legislative session:

"This is not the affordability package we were promised. Only in Sacramento do people try to lower prices by raising taxes.

Health insurance premiums are set to skyrocket 66% for most Americans because of Republicans' failed leadership in Washington. Trump's tariffs are killing Valley farms and driving up prices for families who are already struggling financially. Now, Sacramento has passed billions of dollars in tax increases that will send utility bills through the roof, increase gas prices, and make our state even less affordable.

Both parties have become far too comfortable asking middle-class families to make yet another sacrifice. Republicans and Democrats must stop treating the middle class like a bottomless piggy bank. Stay out of our wallets, and stop stealing the American Dream from the next generation.

One bright spot is the passage of a new law to unchain Kern County energy. I've opposed legislation pushed by the Governor each year, because his solution to high gas prices was even higher gas prices. This year, the state was forced to admit California's destructive policies are causing refineries to close, creating artificial gas shortages, and sending prices soaring.

Not only are we repealing the Governor's new gas tax, we are also ending his zero oil drilling policy. We know how to create energy in Kern County, but the state has stood in our way for years by freezing permits, killing jobs, and driving up foreign imports. That ends now. The work is not done, but this is one step in the right direction."

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Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35^th Assembly District in Kern County, including the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.