Gas prices in California, which are already the nation’s highest, are poised to climb further on Monday as a state gas tax increase goes into effect.

The tax increase of 5.6 cents a gallon is the latest uptick in the Golden State since 2017, when lawmakers based a bill aimed at raising $5 billion a year for road upkeep and mass transit programs.

A 12 cent-per-gallon increase was implemented soon after the law passed. Republican lawmakers have urged a repeal to the law, but an effort to replace it was struck down in 2018.

As of June, California drivers were paying an average of $3.75 a gallon at the pump for regular unleaded gas, far above the $2.71 national average.

The gas tax in the state will continue to indefinitely increase next year. The money generated from the tax is split between local and state governments, who use it to fill potholes and fix worn roads and bridges.

Some of the revenue is also earmarked for mass transit, walking and biking trails and other projects.

With Post Wires