GAINES GAZETTE

April 2022

April Board Actions

I'm pleased to report that we were able to hold the April Board meeting in person. This is the first time we've gathered together in more than two years and it felt great to be reunited face-to-face with my colleagues!

During the meeting, we conducted a public hearing for state assessees' presentation on the valuation of state- assessed properties; received reports and updates on Proposition 19 implementation and BOE operations; and received an overview of the BOE's Fiscal Year 2020-21 Annual Report. Finally, we reviewed the Board Member Strategic Plan.

I am proud our Board continues to serve Californians through fair, effective, and efficient tax administration in support of state and local governments.

Proposition 19 Update

The BOE has updated its Proposition 19 Fact Sheet to incorporate clarifications from the enactment of implementing legislation, Senate Bill 539. It provides a summary of facts on Proposition 19. Click here for additional information on Proposition 19.

The following is an excerpt from my latest opinion piece commenting on the various COVID-related bills making their way through the California legislature.

Around the First District

I’ve enjoyed spending time out and about in the First District! Below are just a couple of the events I attended this month.

BOE Appoints Yvette Stowers as Next Executive Director

The BOE has appointed Yvette Stowers as its next Executive Director. She will replace Brenda Fleming, who announced her retirement earlier this year and has served as Executive Director since January 2019.

I have so much appreciation and gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Brenda Fleming for her years of service, dedication, and commitment to the BOE. We are lucky that incoming Executive Director Yvette Stowers is already intimately familiar with the BOE, and we look forward to working with her to fulfill our constitutional and statutory responsibilities on behalf of the people of California.

Ms. Stowers has extensive experience in taxation, having recently served as Deputy State Controller for Taxation since January 2015 on behalf of State Controller Betty T. Yee. As Deputy State Controller for Taxation, she represented Controller Yee on the BOE and the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). She also served as a Tax Consultant Expert II for then-BOE Member Betty T. Yee and as a senior tax manager at Deloitte Tax. Stowers began her career in taxation working for the FTB as an auditor, program specialist, and audit manager. Stowers holds a B.S. degree in accounting from San Jose State University and a master's degree in taxation from Golden Gate University.

64% of California Voters Think Their Income Taxes

are Too High

Almost two-thirds of California voters believe their state and federal income taxes are too high, according to a Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll released April 15. This marked a 10 percentage-point increase since 2016, the last time a comparable question was asked by the pollster.

The pollster asked registered voters: “Are the federal and state income taxes that you and your family now pay too high, about right, or too low?” The answers: Too high, 64 percent; about right, 26 percent; too low, 1 percent; no opinion, 9 percent.

I'm curious, do you think your income taxes are too high? Drop me an email and let me know!

BOE Featured on Jeopardy!

What are property taxes?! Thanks Jeopardy! for featuring the California Board of Equlization on your quiz show this month! Did you know the answer to this question? For those who didn't, it's a good time to learn about the BOE in case one day you become a contestant on Jeopardy!

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: May 24-25, 2022 via Teleconference

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