GAINES GAZETTE

June 2023

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 adopted Board Roll changes, and granted staff authorization to begin the rulemaking process for proposed amendment to Property Tax Rule 192. We also received operational updates from the Executive Director, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office, Property Tax Department Deputy Director, and Legislative, Research & Statistics Division Chief.

Finally, we discussed various Board Member matters and initiatives, including establishing a Property Tax Exemption Board Work Group on the Veterans’, Disabled Veterans’, and Homeowners Exemptions; and reconvening the Workforce Planning Board Work Group with the California Assessors’ Association.

We are honored 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.

Celebrating 45 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 45 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.

Around the First District

Beth and I attended a ceremony at the California State Railroad Museum honoring the late civic leader and philanthropist, Dr. Herbert Yee. The museum dedicated the Chinese Railroad Worker Experience exhibit in his memory. Dr. Yee helped persuade then-Governor Ronald Reagan to approve funding for the museum, which opened in Old Sacramento in 1976. The exhibit highlights the Chinese workers who built the western portion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. We are pictured here with Dr. David Yee (middle), grandson of Dr. Herbert Yee.

Scouts and Eagle Scouts have been part of America's fabric for 115 years. At the heart of scouting is a true commitment to service. We often hear negative things about younger generations, but the four men from El Dorado Hills I recognized at their Eagle Court of Honor ceremony prove otherwise. Servesh, Joe, Nate and Caden will undoubtedly go on to be beacons of moral character and strong leadership to their community and country in the years ahead. Congratulations! America’s future is bright!

Lawmakers Propose Raising Taxes & Fees by Billions

According to a new report from the California Tax Foundation, during the first five months of the 2023-24 legislative session, state lawmakers proposed raising annual taxes and fees by more than $196.3 billion.

The Foundation’s Tax and Fee Report identified 68 proposals that contain higher taxes or fees. The cost to taxpayers cannot yet be quantified for 46 of the measures.

The state’s operating deficit “could increase the likelihood that lawmakers propose more taxes and fees to address it,” the report notes.

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 25-26, 2023

Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing: August 29, 2023

Sign Up to receive Announcement of Public Meeting Agenda