GAINES GAZETTE

June 2024

I’m grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and the sacrifices of past generations.

There is no better nation in the world! I wish you a safe and happy Independence Day. I’ll continue to keep you updated on important developments and the latest news from the BOE.

It is an honor to serve you. God Bless America!

June Board Actions

During the June Board meeting, we received an update on property tax legislation impacting the BOE and discussed fair market value guidance and methodologies for properties negatively impacted by special circumstances. We also discussed requests from numerous counties for an extension of time to complete local assessment roll.

Finally, the Board received operational updates from the Executive Director; 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.

You're Invited: 2024 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing

All taxpayers and stakeholders are invited to the 2024 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to comment before the elected Members of the State Board of Equalization (BOE) on the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate's current Annual Report or share suggestions, comments, or concerns on California's property tax system and the Alcoholic Beverage Tax. The BOE is responsible for property tax programs, the Alcoholic Beverage Tax, and Tax on Insurers.

Anyone can participate in person, by phone, or submit written comments in advance. Please refer to the Board Meetings page for details.

For more information, visit the BOE's Taxpayers' Rights Advocate webpage. The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office assists taxpayers with problems they have with the assessment or collection of property taxes, or with the Alcoholic Beverage Tax.

Celebrating 46 Years of Proposition 13!

On June 6, 1978, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 13 to reduce property tax rates on homes, businesses and farms and cap the rate of future increases.

Prior to its passage, California property taxes were out of control. People were losing their homes because they could not pay their property taxes, yet government did nothing to help. This month's anniversary highlights the problems homeowners, small businesses and renters faced with crushingly high property taxes and commemorates the positive impacts since Proposition 13’s passage. It also highlights the need to protect it from reforms that would have catastrophic consequences.

Proposition 13 has made California stronger. Over the past 46 years, it has helped the average homeowner and small business save tens of thousands of dollars annually in property tax payments, money that was put back into the economy to create jobs and foster economic development. I will continue fighting to preserve and maintain Proposition 13, one of the very few protections taxpayers have left.

Lawmakers Propose Raising Taxes & Fees by Billions

According to a June Tax and Fee Report from the California Tax Foundation, during the first five months of 2024, as the Legislature began the second half of its 2023-24 session, state lawmakers considered increasing taxes and fees by more than $196.5 billion a year. This includes a package of business tax increases contained in the state budget already approved by lawmakers.

These taxes and fees were introduced as lawmakers and the governor face a budget deficit that the Department of 

Finance recently projected to be approximately $27.6 billion.

During the first year of the 2023-24 session, the Legislature and governor approved more than $10.4 billion in 

higher taxes and fees.

California has the highest unemployment rate in the United States. As out-of-work Californians struggle to make ends 

meet, many of the tax proposals in this report would not only make the state less affordable, but also would make it 

more costly for employers to hire workers

The Tax and Fee Report is a regular publication of the California Tax Foundation, updated throughout the year to reflect new legislative proposals. The report includes any measure estimated to cost $1 million or more per year in higher taxes or fees.

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: July 23-24, 2024

Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing: August 27, 2024