Electric vehicles now make up almost 18% of the car-buying market in California. That's up 42% from 2021, according to the latest data from the California Energy Commission.

Right now, low-income buyers can get up to $9,500 in grants and rebates. But Rosemary Shahan, president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, said these rebates become meaningless when dealer markups are out of control.

"Some of them are charging $50,000, $60,000 or even more, over the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the sticker price," she said, "and we're concerned that whatever rebates people get can just be swallowed by the dealers."

Consumers can look online at markups.org to find out which dealers are selling cars at the MSRP, versus which ones are jacking up the prices. A recent study by iseeCars.com found the hybrid models with the biggest markups include the Ford Maverick truck and the Lexus RX 450h SUV.

Proposition 30 on California's November ballot would raise taxes on the wealthy to pay for more rebates on zero-emission vehicles, build more EV charging stations and fund wildfire prevention. But Shahan saif more rebates could motivate dealers to raise their prices even more, unless the California Air Resources Board moves to cap prices.

"If they want taxpayers to help fund those transactions, and assist low- and moderate-income consumers into getting into cars, to make them more affordable," she said, "they have to be more affordable."

Dave Clegern, a public affairs officer for the California Air Resources Board, said the agency expects EV prices to drop as the supply grows. Asked if the agency would consider price caps, he responded that it would have to "think carefully about the best consumer protection approach" if it became necessary to place a limitation on price above the manufacturer's suggested retail.

Super Bowl LVII is right around the corner, which means Arizona will see hefty spending and wide exposure because of the massive sporting event.

Danny Seiden, president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the last time Arizona hosted the Super Bowl in 2015, it generated nearly $720 million for the state economy, attracted more than 120,000 out-of-state visitors just for the game and had more than 114 million viewers looking at Arizona.

Seiden noted it is a great showcase and economic driver for the state.

"The excitement for this Super Bowl is high," Seiden pointed out. "The excitement to come to a warm state like Arizona in February where you are going to see some sunshine is big, especially coupled with the Phoenix Open and everything else going on. So, I mean, I think we could see closer to $1 billion."

The Waste Management Phoenix Open will also be taking place Feb. 6-12. Seiden explained the mega events have a huge impact on the hospitality sector and called it a "huge boost of adrenaline" for local mom-and-pop shops disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seiden projects more than a million people are going to come through the state for the various mega events happening in February. He emphasized Arizona is a state which values and fosters meritocracy, and noted during the last Super Bowl, Apple was one of the big companies to establish roots in the state, and has grown its presence since then.

"We have over 70 CEOs right now signed up for CEO forums who are looking at Arizona for relocation and expansion of their company," Seiden reported. "That's all fantastic news, and those impacts go on far past just the Super Bowl week and Super Bowl year."

Seiden stressed now through March is an exciting time to be in Arizona. After the Waste Management Open, he added baseball spring training is expected to bring more than $600 million in economic impact.

A South Dakota legislative committee has begun discussions on a plan to repeal the state's grocery tax.

It has been a politically divisive issue amid calls to help residents still reeling from inflation. Nearly a dozen states impose sales taxes on food sold in supermarkets. Some have taken steps to pause or reduce taxes after major spikes in consumer prices.

Erik Nelson, associate state director of advocacy for AARP South Dakota, said the state should take similar action by eliminating its grocery tax. He pointed out there are many people out there, including older residents, who are still feeling the squeeze.

"Many times, South Dakota's low-income seniors may be having to choose between purchasing food and other vital necessities such as prescription drugs or heat," Nelson observed.

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem also supports the idea, but some members of her party plan to oppose the move when it comes up for votes. They, along with groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, argued the move could place pressure on the state budget because a key revenue source would be lost.

But Nelson suggested lawmakers need to take the long view, noting not being able to shop for enough food could be detrimental to the health outcomes of older South Dakotans.

"Seniors that have difficulty accessing and maintaining an adequate and nutritious diet," Nelson emphasized. "We of course recognize that access to healthy food is important to keeping us healthy."

South Dakota's tax on groceries is 4.5%. It is one of only three states to tax groceries at the full sales-tax rate. While concerns about the impact on revenue have been raised, Noem argued the state would still have enough available money in the general fund.

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and fears of a government ban on the appliances, but a Michigan lawmaker said it would be going too far.

Gas stoves are known to emit nitrogen dioxide, and without proper ventilation, studies have shown indoor air pollution can worsen, causing respiratory illnesses.

A recent study found 13% of childhood asthma cases are attributable to gas stove emissions.

Dr. John Levy, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Health at Boston University, said the structure of a home can determine the risks.

"For many people, things like gas stoves could actually be their highest source of air pollution exposure," Levy pointed out. "That itself is important."

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., said a prohibition on gas appliances would prevent Americans from choosing the oven which works best for them. His bill, The S.T.O.V.E. Act, or "Stop Trying to Obsessively Vilify Energy," would bar the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from banning gas stoves.

Natural gas is used in more than a third of homes nationwide, but not every household can easily swap out their appliances, especially renters and low-income households, where the majority of asthmatic children live.

Levy pointed out studies have shown improved ventilation in these homes pays for itself when it comes to asthma-related health care costs.

"If we're thinking about folks who maybe are on Medicaid, this actually could be a wise government investment to try to reduce health care costs and health burdens," Levy contended.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, offers homeowners tax incentives for swapping out gas stoves for electric induction versions, as well as other energy-efficient appliances.

Levy added he would like to see a renewed focus on gas stoves to improve building codes, especially in low-income housing and disadvantaged neighborhoods.