GAINES GAZETTE

December 2022

As we celebrate the Christmas season, I hope your household is blessed with peace, joy, and the love of family and friends. My favorite part of Christmas is reflecting on the birth of our Savior and all the blessings he has bestowed on us. This year, I count the opportunity to continue serving as your elected taxpayer advocate among my greatest blessings.

On behalf of the entire Gaines family, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December Board Actions

During the December Board meeting, we conducted a property tax appeals hearing; approved the Assessors’ Handbooks for sections 531, 534 and 581; and received an overview of 2019-2022 Board accomplishments. Finally, we conducted special presentations to outgoing California State Controller Betty Yee and BOE Chair Malia Cohen.

We are proud as a Board to meet our constitutional duties and remain committed to our mission to serve Californians through fair, effective, and efficient tax administration in support of state and local governments.

Lawmakers Considered More Than $198.9 Billion in

Taxes & Fee Increases in 2022

According to the California Tax Foundation, state lawmakers considered raising annual taxes and fees by more than $198.9 billion during the second year of the 2021-22 legislative session. The proposals included a “wealth tax,” a variety of tax increases to fund a government-run health care program, a carbon tax, and a new tax on gains from property sales.

The nonprofit foundation’s Tax and Fee Report tallied 88 proposals with higher taxes or fees. Although the cost to taxpayers cannot be quantified for 62 of the measures, the remaining 26 represent a cumulative total of $198.9 billion in additional taxes and fees if all were approved.

It seems to me that with the staggering amount of revenue our state collected, there should be absolutely no need to raise a single cent in new taxes or fees on hardworking California families. Californians are already overtaxed and deserve some relief!

Founded in 1980 by the California Taxpayers Association, the California Tax Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that seeks to improve public policy through thoughtful and independent nonpartisan research.

Around the First District

I’ve enjoyed making the Christmas party rounds in the first district! Thanks to all for hosting such fun and festive celebrations.

As a Board Member, my number one priority is to advocate for taxpayers. I believe hardworking Californians deserve to have someone working on their behalf to streamline and promote efficiency in state government.

Should you need assistance with tax-related problems or have questions, visit my website for information on how to contact my office or email me directly anytime.

Monthly Board Meeting: January 24-25, 2023

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