GAINES GAZETTE
August 2020
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Last month, I held an informational hearing that considered both the pros and cons of Proposition 15, the split roll initiative that recently qualified for the November ballot. It’s referred to as “split roll” because it requires county assessors to use a different tax rate for commercial and residential properties. Following six hours of testimony and discussion, I came out in forceful opposition to the measure.
California is straining under COVID-19. Millions are unemployed, businesses are closed, and the last thing we need is $12 billion in new taxes put on the backs of struggling families. Californians are resilient and I’m convinced we will recover, but for that to happen we need a business climate that promotes prosperity. Prop 15 does the opposite. It will crush agriculture. It will hurt the mom and pop shops who are already at risk and worried about their future. It will drive business out of state.
If passed, Prop 15 would undo valuable taxpayer protections provided by California’s landmark Prop 13, which created a predictable, stable property tax regimen that taxes commercial and residential properties at 1% of their purchase price and caps property tax increases at 2% a year from the initial purchase-price valuation.
Prop 15 would Increase property taxes on commercial and industrial properties by requiring reassessment of those properties at market value at least every three years, opening the door to the same unpredictable property tax spikes that forced seniors out of their homes in the 1970s and contributed to the taxpayer revolt that ended with the passage of Prop 13 in 1978.
When will California taxpayers ever catch a break? We pay the highest gas taxes, state sales tax, and income taxes in the nation, and the highest corporate tax in the western states; it’s never ending. If Prop 15 passes in November, I have no doubt that Prop 13’s homeowner protections would be the next target. As a taxpayer advocate, I urge you to vote “no” on Prop 15 and every other initiative that seeks to raise taxes in November.
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California has suffered from some devastating wildfires in the last few years that burned hundreds of thousands of acres and tens of thousands of homes. Homeowners who have lost their homes or seen them damaged in wildfires or other natural disasters can qualify for property tax relief and keep their Prop 13 base year value when their homes are rebuilt in a similar manner. You can find more information on disaster relief as well as contact information for each County Assessor on my Resources page.
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You're Invited: 2020 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing |
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Taxpayers may also share their concerns regarding agency services or other issues related to the BOE including state and county property taxes, tax on insurers, and alcoholic beverage tax.
With respect to the alcoholic beverage tax, taxpayers may present ideas and recommendations regarding legislation which may further improve voluntary compliance and the relationship between taxpayers and government.
Enacted in 1994, the Morgan Property Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights requires the BOE to ensure the rights of California taxpayers are protected during the assessment and collection of property taxes. By law, the BOE must hold an annual Bill of Rights hearing open to the public. Additionally, the BOE's Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate and her staff work to ensure that taxpayers' rights are protected and assists in the resolution of property tax problems.
I hope you can join us!
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Welcome Address Given at Assessors' Conference |
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It was my pleasure to address the virtual 2020 Northern California Assessors’ Association Regional Conference this week.
The conference provided participants with tools and tips to improve effectiveness, sharpen organizational intelligence, and operate as successful county assessors.
The program covered a variety of interesting topics from COVID-19-related issues, California's energy future, technology changes, and Prop 15, the split roll ballot initiative.
It was great to interact virtually with the assessors and other property tax stakeholders from around the state. I look forward to our continued work together to better serve California taxpayers!
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Lawmakers Propose $65.9 Billion in New Taxes & Fees |
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The California Tax Foundation--the research arm of the California Taxpayers Association--has released its Tax & Fee Report, an annual overview of the major taxes and fees introduced by the California Legislature.
Since returning to the Capitol on January 6, California lawmakers have proposed 42 bills and constitutional amendments that would cost taxpayers more than $65.9 billion annually in higher taxes and fees, including taxes on hiring workers during the worst period of unemployment since the Great Depression.
According to the report, lawmakers are also considering taxing businesses working to develop a treatment and cure for COVID-19. The tax and fee proposals come during a year when California’s economy is facing an unprecedented collapse, and follows a year in which $4.4 billion in new tax and fee authorizations were signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Prior to the Governor’s March 19 stay-at-home order, which closed many businesses, the existing tax structure had generated a large operating surplus and record-high reserves for California’s government. The roughly $20 billion in reserves helped the state avoid billions of dollars in budget cuts when revenue fell sharply due to the pandemic.
Instead of continuing to raise taxes, we should be looking for ways to ease the burden on families and business owners who see too much of their money go to Sacramento with too little result. I appreciate the California Taxpayers Association for working hard to protect taxpayers from increased taxes and for always promoting government efficiency.
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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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