GAINES GAZETTE
November 2020
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Thanksgiving is a special holiday. It’s a time to pause and reflect on how truly blessed we are.
It’s a time of celebration, remembrance, and unity. We spend the day with loved ones
and are reminded of God’s continual provision in our lives.
I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to serve as your taxpayer advocate on the
Board of Equalization. Thank you for entrusting me with this privilege.
Sending warm wishes from my home to yours. Happy Thanksgiving!
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October Board Actions & Meeting with County Assessors |
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The Board’s October 20-21 meeting took place using a combination of livestream and teleconference technologies and covered numerous topics over the course of two days.
On Day 1, my colleagues and I held our annual meeting with the 58 County Assessors, which consisted of a 2020 recap and discussion about emerging issues and priorities for 2021 related to the administration of property tax.
Since March, the Board has held numerous public policy hearings with the participation of County Assessors addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on county boards of equalization and assessment appeals boards. In addition, the Board established the Workforce Planning Workgroup, and County Assessors have provided crucial input to ensure we are prepared for future challenges.
During the meeting, Board Members thanked Stanislaus County Assessor Don Gaekle for his service as President of the California Assessors’ Association and welcomed incoming President Ernie Dronenburg, San Diego County Assessor.
After the meeting recessed for the day, I held a breakout session with the 30 County Assessors located within my district during which we discussed property tax-related Propositions 15 and 19, remote appeals hearings, COVID-19 responses, and more. This annual meeting is normally held in-person, but we made it work virtually and I learned about the challenges and opportunities they are facing now and how we can work together to provide the best, fairest, most transparent service to the nearly 10 million Californians residing in these counties.
On Day 2, the Board advanced the first round of guidance on remote assessment appeals board hearings, received an update on the Workforce Planning Workgroup’s findings and recommendations, and reviewed amendments to the Board’s Governance Policy.
We are proud as a Board to continue meeting our constitutional duties through the use of 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.
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Veterans & Active Military Assistance |
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Veterans Day may be the most important secular holiday we recognize each year. For without the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who protect our country, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that are the hallmark of this great nation.
Veterans Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the strength, courage, and dedication of America’s veterans and military families.
The BOE is committed to working with County Assessors to raise awareness of the Veterans’ Exemption and Disabled Veterans’ Exemption to support veterans, their families, and caregivers to reduce their property tax liability.
While there is no general property tax exclusion for veterans, there are laws that reduce the amount of property tax due for qualified veterans and veterans’ organizations. For more information, please visit my Resources page.
To all of you who served, I salute you and wish God’s blessings upon you.
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Property Tax Postponement Program
Applications Now Available!
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Applications for the 2020-21 tax year are now 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 $45,000 or less.
For more information, please visit my Resources page.
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Most people are familiar with type 2 diabetes but know little about type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin—a hormone essential to digestion.
My wife, former Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, and I know firsthand the effect type 1 diabetes can have on families because one of our daughters developed the disease at age eight. Each year, about 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The good news is that public awareness about both types of diabetes is increasing, which helps save lives by aiding in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the disease.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading organization funding type 1 diabetes research. To support this effort, they sponsor fundraising events annually including more than 200 walks. These community events create an extensive network of families, volunteers, and donors who are committed to finding a cure for this serious disease.
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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.
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Reminder: Property Taxes Due December 10, 2020
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