GAINES GAZETTE
November 2021
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Thanksgiving is a special holiday. It’s a time to pause and reflect on how truly blessed we are.
It’s a time of celebration, remembrance, and unity. We spend the day with loved ones
and are reminded of God’s continual provision in our lives.
I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to serve as your taxpayer advocate in the
Board of Equalization's First District. Thank you for entrusting me with this privilege.
Sending warm wishes from my home to yours. Happy Thanksgiving!
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During the November Board meeting, we covered several important topics on various property tax matters; staff presented an issue paper on community land trust properties guidance; we received an update on the welfare exemption process improvement project; and considered draft amendments to statutory and constitutional provisions affecting property tax deadlines impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We also continued discussion on the impact of public calamities on property tax administration and county boards of equalization/assessment appeals boards remote hearings. We are working to ensure due process and the continuity of business during the pandemic and other calamities, protecting the rights of all parties. We also received helpful testimony from speakers and members of the public.
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.
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Property Tax Postponement Program
Applications Now Available!
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Applications for the 2021-22 tax year are now available for the State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program, which allows homeowners who are seniors, blind, or have a disability to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence if they meet certain criteria including 40 percent equity in the home and an annual household income of $45,810 or less.
For more information, please visit my Resources page. |
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Around the First District |
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I had the honor of celebrating and giving thanks to the first responders who saved Pollock Pines during the Caldor Fire. The event also raised funds for the Memorial for Officer Harminder Grewal from Galt/El Dorado Community Foundation. Donations were presented to first responders who lost property while protecting the community. Thanks to the Community Economic Development Association of Pollock Pines for hosting such an important event!
Board Member Gaines with Jeanne Harper,
Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Association of Pollock Pines.
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I spent the morning of Veterans Day honoring, reflecting on, and praying for our nation’s brave military veterans at a Flag Ceremony at William Jessup University. I was inspired by guest speaker Major General Robert Hipwell, who has decades of military service and is a tireless advocate for veterans. God Bless America’s patriots.
Board Member Gaines with Major General Hipwell and William Jessup University President Dr. John Jackson.
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The holiday season is upon us, and I can’t think of a better way to kick things off than gathering around a Christmas tree. The official U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, known as “Sugar Bear,” stopped for a few hours at the state Capitol on its 4,000 mile trip to Washington DC. The 84-foot white fir is from Northern California's Six Rivers National Forest.
Board Member Gaines with State Senator Mike McGuire.
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It was great to join the El Dorado West Republican Women Federated at their Annual "Meet Your Elected Officials Luncheon" where I was able to kick-off the event with the invocation. |
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National Diabetes Awareness Month |
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Most people are familiar with Type 2 Diabetes but know little about Type 1 Diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin—a hormone essential to digestion.
My wife, former Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, and I know firsthand the effect Type 1 Diabetes can have on families because one of our daughters developed the disease at age eight. Each year, about 64,000 Americans are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The good news is that public awareness about both types of diabetes is increasing, which helps save lives by aiding in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of the disease.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research. To support this effort, they sponsor fundraising events annually including more than 200 walks. These community events create an extensive network of families, volunteers, and donors who are committed to finding a cure for this serious disease. |
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Let's Talk About California Affordability |
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I recently joined Jim Lacy and Don Romano on their radio show “LIVE in TAXIFORNIA” on KABC-AM 790 TalkRadio. We covered topics like California's punitive tax regimen that's driving companies and jobs out of state and making it harder for families to get by and build wealth, including the new death tax found in Proposition 19, as well as California's affordability crisis - we have the highest housing costs, gas prices, energy costs, and more. Bad policy is making the state so expensive it’s nearly unlivable for many!
Follow this link to listen to the October 24 show. |
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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.
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Reminder: Property Taxes Due December 10, 2021
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