GAINES GAZETTE

May 2022

This Memorial Day, let us take a moment to remember the courage and sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives for this great nation. Let us reflect and honor those lost in service through historic battles that paved the way for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. Let us use this time to count our blessings and stand proud as we express gratitude to our fallen heroes.

May Board Actions

During the May Board meeting, we conducted state- assessed properties value setting; adopted property tax forms and the 4-R Act Equalization Ratio for FY 2022-23; received reports and updates on Proposition 19 implementation and outreach from the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office; received updates on BOE operations; and heard a presentation from USC Sol Price School of Public Policy students on their collaborative project regarding enhancing brand awareness at the BOE.

Finally, we congratulated and celebrated the much-deserved retirements of former BOE Executive Director Brenda Fleming and Laura SooHoo, Assistant to the BOE Executive Director. I'm thankful for their many years of service to the BOE and the people of California, and I wish them all the best in this exciting new chapter.

Governor's Revised 2022-23 Budget Proposal

Governor Newsom released his revised state budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year that begins July 1. Unfortunately, it was a lost opportunity to provide long-term economic relief to the millions of hardworking California families living paycheck to paycheck.

The Newsom Administration has taken an extra $97.5 billion out of taxpayers' pockets than the state needed. It's not the first time! It happened last year and the year before that. And with all that money, has anything been fixed? The answer is NO. Despite the excess funds available, California is worse off.

I've outlined several of the top issues facing our state, and some common sense solutions.

Taxes & Spending: Californians pay the highest state sales and income taxes in the country. Our corporations pay the highest tax rates in the western states. Now the state is reporting it essentially overcharged taxpayers by $97.5 billion. The common sense solution is to refund the money. The best, easiest, fairest way to “spend” the surplus is to recognize that it’s the people’s money and it should go back to them. Lower taxes dramatically and permanently so working families might themselves run a surplus instead of the state.

But if the state isn't going to give the money back to the people, it should at least use the funds to problem solve.

Gas Prices: Californians pay the highest gas prices in the nation, and second place isn't even close. We need relief at the gas pump NOW. Governor Newsom promised a gas tax holiday. It hasn't occurred. Governor Newsom talked about stopping the automatic gas tax increase on July 1. It hasn't happened. Put a moratorium on California gas tax only (53 cents a gallon) for the rest of the year and cancel the gas tax hike slated for July 1.

Crime & Retail Theft: This budget invests in investigating retail thefts. What's to investigate? California has passed laws that reduce the penalty for theft. Why would anyone think that's not going to cause an increase in retail thefts? The common sense solution is to change the laws so there is a greater penalty for those that go into a store and walk out with a shopping cart full of merchandise they haven't paid for.

Housing: Make housing more affordable by reducing permit and regulatory costs and timelines. Establish a one-stop-shop for builders. What good is a down payment relief program when the cost of housing continues to increase with no end in sight? 

Agriculture: Stop sitting on the sidelines and help our California farmers and economy deal with the current shipping crisis. California is a nation-state with the 5th largest economy in the world. The Governor should ramp up the pressure on Congress to fight for our agricultural community. See related New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle articles and my opinion piece.

Water: There is nothing new about a drought in California. The only thing new is that we suddenly have $97.5 billion to solve the problem. So let's solve it now and pay for a project in full. $97.5 billion can buy a lot of Sites reservoirs, each of which holds 1.5 million-acre feet of water. Let's allow California to grow food, supply water for new housing, and protect our environment.

Wildfires: The Newsom Administration needs to invest in removing the red tape and roadblocks stalling wildfire prevention and treatment projects.

Around the First District

BOE Adopts $136.3 Billion in Assessed Property Values for Fiscal Year 2022-23

The BOE has unanimously adopted the $136.3 billion in assessed property values of 339 companies within California, which include telephone, gas, and electric companies, independent power producers, regulated railroads, and intercounty pipelines. In the upcoming fiscal year, schools and local communities statewide will receive a total of approximately $2.16 billion in property tax revenue resulting from the Board exercising one of its core constitutional functions.

Whereas most property in California is assessed by County Assessors, the BOE is constitutionally assigned to directly assess certain public utilities, regulated railroads, and intercounty pipelines throughout the state. Also, these properties are not subject to Proposition 13, and the BOE must annually determine the fair market value of the unitary property that includes improvements, personal property, and land. The BOE develops the fair market value by considering market conditions, use of and income generated by the property, replacement costs, investments in the property, regulatory climate, depreciation, and other factors as of the January 1 lien date.

For fiscal year 2022-23, there was a 7.8% increase in the total value from last year in the amount of $9.9 billion which will generate approximately more than $156 million additional tax dollars. County governments will use the values set by the BOE to levy the local property taxes.

The entire list of assessed property values and more information on the State-Assessed Properties Program is available on the BOE website.

Wildfire Season is Here!

Summer is nearly here and so is wildfire season. Be prepared, and do your part for your safety and that of the entire state. These are some basic ways to stop a wildfire before it starts. Visit readyforwildfire.org for more tips on preparing yourself and your community.

California's Primary Election is June 7!

Ballots for the June 7th primary election have been mailed and should have arrived in your mailboxes. Remember that ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by June 7. Ballots returned at a secure ballot drop box must be deposited by 8:00 p.m. on June 7. To find a ballot drop off location near you, click here. Elections matter and so does your vote!

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: June 28-29, 2022 via Teleconference

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