GAINES GAZETTE

June 2022

I’m grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and the sacrifices of past generations.

There is no better nation in the world! I wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Independence Day.  I’ll continue to keep you updated on important developments and the latest news from the BOE.

It is an honor to serve you. God Bless America!

June Board Actions

During the June Board meeting, we authorized non-substantive updates to Property Tax Rules 301 & 905; adopted Emergency Rulemaking to Property Tax Rules 462.520 & 462.540; received reports on Proposition 19 implementation and outreach from the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office; received updates on BOE budget and operations; and obtained information on the upcoming Property Tax Abatement Board Work Group convenings and the strategy going forward.

Finally, we heard a special presentation from the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) on the California Mortgage Relief Program, including the recent expansion of the program.

In the News

The following is an excerpt from my latest opinion piece in the Bakersfield Californian commenting on the nearly $100 billion budget surplus and the “Gann Limit,” which dictates that some of it be returned to taxpayers.

TED GAINES: Will taxpayers be robbed (again) in 2022?

Bakersfield Californian

May 29, 2022

Historic budget revenues present historic opportunities for Sacramento politicians to shortchange taxpayers.

And “historic” is the right word for California’s staggering tax windfall. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced he expects the state to be sitting on a budget surplus of nearly $100 billion this year. That spare mountain of money equals the entire budget from the year 2000. It’s a barely fathomable number unique in California or any other state’s experience.

What is to become of this colossal cash pile?

The money should, by law, go back to taxpayers. The “Gann Limit,” passed overwhelmingly by California voters in 1979, put an appropriations cap in place for our state that forbids government spending from increasing beyond certain growth factor calculations. 

Around the First District

Thanks to the California Taxpayers Association for having me at their 96th Annual Meeting. We had a great discussion on California tax policy and ways to make government more transparent, efficient and fair for taxpayers.

The Sacramento Taxpayers Association hosted a great mixer. They're doing important work in advocating for fiscal responsibility and government transparency on behalf of Sacramento area taxpayers! Pictured here with Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer (left) and Sacramento Taxpayers Association President Bruce Lee (right).

The U.S. Army recently celebrated 247 years of defending our country 24/7. And it isn't a birthday without cake! Proud to join U.S. Army Recruiting NorCal, including Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Lance Izumi, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Clay, and incoming Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Gonzalez. Thankful for 247 years of selfless service to the nation!

Another Gas Tax Goes Into Effect July 1

Californians are paying nearly $7 for a gallon of gas, while the rest of the nation is paying about $2 less. The average California household is spending approximately $5,000 a year in gas. A year ago, households spent about $2,800. If you’re a commuter, live in the country, or own a business, the cost could be much higher. This is all on top of record high inflation while our state is sitting on a nearly $100 billion budget surplus.

Now Governor Newsom is allowing another $500 million gas tax increase to go into effect starting July 1, just in time for July 4th holiday travel plans.

This Friday, California’s excise tax on gasoline will increase from 51.1 cents per gallon to 53.9 cents per gallon,. With the increase, Californians will pay 70.95 cents per gallon at the pump in state and local taxes and fees, which is the highest in the nation. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, California’s cap-and-trade auction increases the price of gasoline by an additional 23 cents per gallon. The federal excise tax on gasoline adds another 18.4 cents per gallon to the cost at the pump.

In 2017, I voted against Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act, which resulted in these gas tax increases. California is suffering from an affordability crisis and drivers are some of the hardest hit. It doesn’t have to be this way. Providing modern, safe infrastructure should be a basic tenet of state government. We need to make transportation a priority in the state's surplus budget and stop nickel and diming already struggling, hardworking taxpayers.

Wildfire Disaster Relief

California has suffered from devastating wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres and tens of thousands of homes. This summer will be hot and dry, and wildfires will likely engulf our state once again. Homeowners who have lost their homes or seen them damaged in wildfires or other natural disasters may qualify for property tax relief and keep their Prop 13 base year value when their homes are rebuilt in a similar manner. You can find more information on disaster relief as well as contact information for each County Assessor on my Resources page.

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: July 26-27, 2022 In Person & Via Teleconference

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