GAINES GAZETTE

September 2024

Annual Meeting with County Assessors

The Board of Equalization (BOE) held our Annual Meeting with the 58 County Assessors on September 25 in conjunction with the September Board Meeting.

The BOE is required by law to meet with County Assessors at least once a year to discuss issues focused on administering property taxation and promoting uniformity statewide. We covered topics such as property tax exemptions, potential property tax incentives for affordable housing, and assessment appeals training. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss future challenges and further ways to strengthen the long-standing partnership.

I also held a breakout session with the County Assessors located within my district. We discussed Prop. 19 implementation, appeals hearings, assessment appeals boards, good things happening in Assessor offices, and more. It was helpful to learn about the challenges and opportunities they are facing and how we can work together to provide the best, fairest, most transparent service to the nearly 10 million Californians residing in these counties.

September Board Actions

During the September meeting – in addition to the Annual County Assessors Meeting – the Board discussed various property tax matters, including a petition for reassessment of 2024 unitary value, and state-assessed property Board Roll changes. The Board also received an impressive presentation of the BOE's operations development and accomplishments since 2017.

Finally, we heard updates from the Executive Director; Chief Counsel; Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office; Property Tax Department Deputy Director; and the Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief.

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

Upcoming Informational Hearing: California's Insurance Market & Its Impact on Housing and the Economy

Join me on Tuesday, October 29 as I lead a BOE Informational Hearing on how California’s skyrocketing insurance premiums threaten affordable housing and the economy. This is a follow-up informational hearing from the one I held in February of this year and is meant to serve as an opportunity to share updates and new information on this important issue.

Across the state, insurance carriers are either doubling insurance rates, dropping homeowners’ policies, or leaving the state entirely. Without a stable insurance market, affordable housing is a nonstarter. The expert panelists will discuss the areas of concern and explore possible solutions for a path forward.

Watch the meeting live here.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I’ve long supported and encouraged increased awareness of this disease and the importance of early detection and treatment.

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 27,000 men in California will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Fortunately, most cases are caught early and survival rates are high. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a good time for men to talk to their doctor so they can make informed decisions about maintaining the health of their prostate.

For more information and resources, visit the California Prostate Cancer Coalition.

Around the First District

Thanks to the Sacramento Republican Women Federated for inviting my wife Beth (far right) and me to their recent fundraiser.

Kimberley Fletcher, Founder, President and CEO of Moms for America (center) gave a wonderful speech full of inspiration and hope for California. While many Californians are leaving or considering leaving the state, Kimberley expressed hope that by working together along with our youth, we can restore California to its roots of conservative values. I agree!

Attended another great meeting with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Sacramento, where former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness discussed the importance of the passage of Proposition 36 on the ballot this November. The measure attempts to undo parts of Proposition 47 by increasing penalties for fentanyl dealers and theft crimes by reclassifying some that are currently misdemeanors as felonies. Prop 36 has my “yes” vote!

Pictured here with Sheriff McGinness and IIAB Sacramento Past-President Haley Andrews.

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.

Informational Hearing on CA's Insurance Market and Affordable Housing & Monthly Board Meeting: October 29, 2024