During the January Board meeting, we considered proposed amendments to Property Tax Rule 302, and received an overview of Governor Newsom's proposed FY 2022-23 budget. We also received reports on Proposition 19 implementation, operational updates, and discussed Board Member requested matters.

Finally, we continued discussion on the impact of public calamities on property tax administration and county boards of equalization/assessment appeals boards remote hearings.

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

On January 10, Governor Newsom released his state budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year that begins July 1.

With a $45.7 billion budget surplus, there’s no reason we can’t create a more affordable and sustainable California by investing in housing; expanding California’s water storage; protecting the jobs of California taxpayers; investing in science-based fire protection programs; ensuring that the money we send to our schools reaches the classroom; re-funding the police so our communities and families are safe; and building a strong safety net, not a mattress.

California desperately needs to lower taxes. Every dollar in the budget surplus is a dollar that a family or business doesn't have.

We have to undo the policies that have given us the nation’s highest gas prices, poverty rates, homelessness, and the worst business climate. And issue rebate checks to the taxpayers whose hard work earned the money in the first place.

I look forward to learning more about the details of this budget proposal in the coming months.

For more information, visit www.ebudget.ca.gov.

Our country is facing a national blood crisis. It's the worst blood shortage in more than a decade, posing a critical risk to patient care. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will have to wait. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.

The shortage is caused by the cancellation of blood drives due to the COVID-19 surge, staffing limitations, weather-related closures, and more.

The American Red Cross, which supplies 40% of the nation’s blood supply, has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals as a result of the shortage. In fact, some hospitals may only receive one out of the four blood products they need.

Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors. Your donation could save a life!

Applications for the 2021-22 tax year are available for the State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program, which allows homeowners who are seniors, blind, or have a disability to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence if they meet certain criteria, including 40 percent equity in the home and an annual household income of $45,810 or less.

The filing deadline is February 10, 2022.

For more information, visit my Resources page.

I'd like to welcome Hector Barajas to my BOE team!

With more than two decades of legislative and media experience, Hector received national recognition for his strategic communications efforts, ethnic media outreach, and public affairs work.

“I look forward to working with Member Gaines and his staff to continue advocating for taxpayers, and helping make California a better place for small business owners and families,” said Barajas.

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: February 23-24, 2022 via Teleconference