Letters – by Our Readers

Letters

Bill,

Governor Gavin Newsom on January 8 released his proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The proposal would increase vessel registration fees from $20 to $70 every two years effective July 1.

RBOC has reviewed the proposal within our mission to advocate for the best utilization of boater funds for programs and services that directly benefit boaters.

RBOC is not in a position to support the Governor’s proposed plan to increase boat registration fees by 250% starting July 1.

The organization continues its requests for: data supporting the necessity for additional state revenues in an environment where boat registrations and revenues are increasing; a meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to identify efficiencies and improvements in current programs; and accurate information on the millions of dollars in fuel tax dollars and registration fees boaters pay to the state that are never placed into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund.

RBOC President Winston Bumpus stated, “A 250% increase before these issues are resolved is putting the cart before the horse. RBOC will be actively advocating with the Governor’s administration including the Division of Boating and Waterways, state legislators and other stakeholders to resolve these issues before we can support such a dramatic increase.”

Best,
Jerry Desmond, Esq.
Director of Government Relations
Recreational Boaters of California
www.RBOC.org

Jerry,

This is outrageous, I hope it can be rescinded. Boating is an activity that crosses all economic and social boundries This is a regressive tax that will severly effect the less affluent boaters. I think a good stiff audit of Boating and Waterways is in order to find out where the millions of dollars they are collecting from boaters currently is going. Thank you for advising us of this matter.

Bill

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