During the March Board meeting, we received a presentation on state assessee industry valuation trends; discussed property tax audits and land escaped assessments; received reports and updates on Proposition 19 implementation and BOE operations; and received an overview of the Special Taxes Quarterly Report. Finally, we reviewed the Board Member Strategic Plan.

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.

California has the highest sales, gas, and income taxes, and there’s an almost yearly assault on Prop. 13. But even with a massive budget surplus, Sacramento politicians want more. More government is the goal, and it runs on your money. It is for these reasons that I support limited government and the lowest possible taxes. I think families and businesses are better stewards of their money than government.

Because of those beliefs, I want to recognize those people who buck the tide and fight for lower taxes, better oversight, and smaller government. That is why I created my “Taxpayer Hero Award” program, to show my gratitude for their efforts.

It was my honor to present three very deserving people with this award – State Senator Mike Morrell (Ret.); Jon Coupal, President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association; and Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48). All have worked tirelessly on behalf of taxpayers and have been staunch defenders of Prop. 13.

Congratulations to all and I look forward to continuing our work together to protect taxpayers in the years to come.

I recently published two opinion editorials circulating in papers throughout the First District regarding a couple of very important issues - China's influence on American goods, and the impact of California's green mania on our electricity grid. Links to both opinion pieces are below.

It’s so great to meet with people in person again! I was recently in San Bernardino County in my BOE District, where I met with Sheriff Shannon Dicus, Supervisor Janice Rutherford, and my friend Senator Bob Dutton (Ret.) who serves as the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk. We talked about everything from crime to property taxes. There are a lot of issues facing California, but these great leaders are working hard on solutions!

The BOE recently released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Annual Report, which reported that the total net statewide county-assessed property value was $7.1 trillion, resulting in $79.9 billion of local property tax levies. Those property tax levies contributed $43 billion to schools and $36.9 billion to local government. This is an additional $4.5 billion, or a 6% increase, in property tax levies from FY 2019-20 of $75.4 billion.

Given this increase in property taxes, along with an estimated budget surplus of $31 billion, there should be no need to raise taxes or fees on hardworking California families, or in any way weaken Prop. 13.

The BOE is constitutionally and statutorily responsible for the oversight of California's property tax system. The FY 2020-21 Annual Report includes state- and county-assessed property values, aggregate qualifying property tax exemptions, and other statewide property tax data.

New in this Annual Report are the highlights of BOE's accomplishments in fulfilling its statewide role in the implementation of Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act. In November 2020, California voters approved Proposition 19, which made significant changes to certain property tax laws.

Past annual reports and additional information can be found on the BOE website.

I had the opportunity to pray with Ukrainian leaders at the Sacramento-area Spring of Life Family Church. We prayed for peace, for the strength and safety of the Ukrainian people, and for an end to this attack on democracy.

I also attended a wonderful fundraiser hosted by the Russian American Media that benefitted Ukraine refugees. What’s happening right now is devastating for the people of both countries, and 100-percent of the proceeds from the event will go directly to the Ukrainians who need it most.

This is a friendly reminder that your state and federal income taxes are due on April 18, 2022. The deadline was pushed back because Washington, DC observes Emancipation Day on April 15 this year. Also, in the past two pandemic years, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended the filing deadline for all taxpayers, however, it has not done so in 2022.

For more information, visit the FTB and IRS websites.

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: April 26-27, 2022 via Teleconference