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A TAX DAY MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS

by Assemblyman Anthony Adams.

April 15, 2008

It’s tax day, and as millions of Californians file their taxes there is no more powerful reminder of the fact we are paying way too much money to the government.  Californians pay the fourth highest tax burden in the entire nation!

But don’t think that filing your tax forms means you are done paying your taxes.  In fact, you are paying taxes for almost everything you do on a daily basis. 

We are taxed all day long.  When we drink a cup of coffee in the morning, we pay a sales tax.  When we drive to work, we pay a car tax.  When we get gas for our car, we pay a gas tax.  At work, we pay an income tax.  When we get home at night, we pay a property tax.  Turn on the light, we pay an electricity tax.  Make a telephone call, we pay a utility tax.  Brush our teeth before bed, we pay a water tax.  We are overtaxed, and hard-working Californians deserve a break.

Unfortunately, Democrats in the State Legislature are trying to raise taxes even higher!  They are pushing more than $25 billion in new and higher taxes that will hit families especially hard.

Here are just some of the taxes they have proposed so far this year:
  • The iTunes Tax– Democrats want to impose sales taxes on music, movies and software purchases made online.  (AB 1956 – Calderon) 
  • The Plastic Bag Tax – You would have to pay a new tax for the plastic bags used at grocery stores. (AB 2829 – Davis)
  • The Beer Tax – Democrats have proposed legislation to increase the excise tax on beer to generate $2 billion to expand government programs. 
  • The Internet Tax – They want to tax items we buy on the internet. 
  • The Global Warming Tax – As if we aren’t paying enough at the pump, Democrats want to raise gas prices to ‘combat global warming.’ (AB 2558 – Feuer)
  • Closing the Home Mortgage Interest Deduction “Loophole” – Democrats think hardworking Californians taking the home mortgage interest deduction on their income taxes is a loophole that must be closed. 
  • Closing the Senior Tax Credit “Loophole” – They also think seniors keeping more of their money in the form of the senior tax credit is a loophole that must be closed. 
  • Closing the Dependent Tax Credit “Loophole” – Democrats think that saving money to help raise your children through the dependent tax credit is a loophole that must be closed. 
  • Increasing the Car Tax – Democrats have proposed several bills that would increase the car tax.  (AB 2388 – Feuer, AB 2522 – Arambula, AB 2638 – Coto, SB 1731 – Yee) 
  • Increasing The Gas Tax – In addition to raising the gas tax to combat global warming (see above) they have also introduced several measures to impose new taxes on gas and oil.  (AB 9xxx – Nunez, AB 2744 – Huffman)
  • Raising Income Taxes – They have proposed two bills that would raise income taxes on some Californians.  (AB 2372 – Coto, AB 2897 – Hancock)
  • New Taxes on Businesses – Democrats have talked about creating a new split-roll property tax on California businesses, which would lead to higher prices for consumers and the threat of job losses. 
Assembly Republicans believe that it is simply wrong for Democrats to demand more taxes from you to pay for their overspending.  In fact, Senator Don Perata has threatened to hold up passage of the budget until they achieve $5 billion in tax increases!  (Click here and fast forward 23 minutes to watch him say it.)  

Enough is enough!   

As we mark another April 15th, Assembly Republicans reaffirm our commitment to protecting  Californians from higher taxes.  
_____________________________________________

Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Hesperia, serves as the Republican Whip of the Assembly Republican Caucus and represents the 59th Assembly District in the California Legislature.  Adams is also a State Capitol Correspondent for this website.

Yes on 98, No on 99 - the two eminent domain Propositions

Most of us believe property rights are sacred so it came as quite a shock when the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in the Kelo decision that public agencies could take private property through eminent domain and turn it over to a private developer to build an office park, a hotel or condos. How did that fit in with the “public use” the Fifth Amendment described? We were all thinking a public use meant roads, schools, or airports – something that would benefit society as a whole. As Sandra Day O’Connor, one of the dissenting judges in the Kelo decision, wrote “The specter of condemnation hangs over all property. Nothing is to prevent the state from replacing a Motel 6 with a Ritz-Carlton, any home with a shopping mall, or any farm with a factory.”

It was left to the states to protect private property from eminent domain abuse. The June 3 primary ballot has two propositions that amend the state constitution on this critical issue:

    1. Proposition 98 which is backed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers and the Farm Bureau
      2.
    2. Proposition 99 which was rushed on the ballot by the League of Cities when they saw the Jarvis proposition was going to qualify for the ballot.
      3.
Prop 98 provides true protection from eminent domain abuse. Private property may not be taken by eminent domain for private use under any circumstances. It protects homes, farms, churches, etc. Property can be taken for a true public use such as roads, parks, or schools. If businesses or farmers do have their property taken by eminent domain they will be entitled to receive compensation for expenses such as relocation expenses, business reestablishment costs, etc.

Prop 98 also protects property owners from a stealth form of governmental “taking” known as rent control. If you think about it, rent control is a way of shifting the cost of a desire for a government to provide low-cost housing onto the backs of an individual property owner. Those costs stay hidden from the public because they are absorbed by the property owner. If a city/county wants to provide low-cost housing, there should be a public budget decision made and the rent subsidy taken from the general fund. By the way, under Prop 98 all property covered by rent control remains that way until the renter moves out. Only at that time it will become a free-market unit thereby providing protection to those currently relying on rent controlled units.

Prop 99 was essentially conceived in order to confuse voters. In theory it protects owner-occupied residences in a limited sphere. As the Institute for Justice, the group that fought the Kelo case for Mrs. Kelo, points out “Prop 99 only applied to owner-occupied residences when the government’s ‘purpose’ is to convey property to another private party, so it is unclear if Prop 98 would protect any property.” The Institute for Justice considers this proposition to be fatally flawed.

It is critical that if you support eminent domain reform you vote Yes on 98 and No on 99 because the creators of 99, included a poison pill in their measure that in essence means that if but 98 and 99 both pass, but 99 gets more votes, it prevails and the terms of Prop 98 are null and void. Apparently it pays to be the second proposition out of the gate.

Kris Hunt, Contra Costa County Co-Chairman for "Yes on 98"
DEMOCRAT MANEUVERING BLOCKS HOUSTON BILL
Backroom efforts leaves Marine Corps/Berkeley bill one vote short in Transportation Committee

(Sacramento) – Legislation authored by Assemblyman Guy Houston (R-San Ramon) to punish Berkeley for its anti-U.S. Marine Corps actions, failed to pass the Assembly Transportation Committee in Monday’s hearing. Despite taking a Democrat amendment which would have prohibited the city ofBerkeley from granting a public right of way to a political organization but would have spared Berkeley transportation funding, the Assembly Transportation Committee failed to provide the needed votes for passage.

“ I am pleased that members from both parties, from across the state, recognize this effort is one worth supporting,” said Houston. “This measure is not about politics. It’s about right and wrong. What the city of Berkeley has done is wrong and their actions must not go unpunished.”

Democrats Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim) and Cathleen Galgiani (D-Livingston) along with all of the Republicans on the committee voted for the measure. With the vote on the verge of passage, Democrat leadership slammed the door on further Democrat votes needed to put the bill out of committee to the full Assembly.

“ I have a lot of respect for my Democrat colleagues Solorio and Galgiani,” said Houston. “They put good public policy ahead of politics and showed great leadership in this issue.”

AB 2615 faced its first policy vote in Monday’s Assembly Transportation Committee hearing. The bill received bipartisan support and fell just one vote shy of passing. The measure received seven ‘aye’ votes, five ‘no’ votes, and two members of the committee abstained. The bill needed eight to pass.

AB 2615 failed to pass in committee, but Assemblyman Houston will continue to support actions to hold the city of Berkeley accountable for their resolution granting exclusive use of a public parking space adjacent to the Marine recruitment office to organizations for staging protests.

“ Transportation dollars should be spent to improve California roads, not protest the military recruiting center,” said Houston. “Whatever you think of the war, the United State Marine Corps should not be disrespected, and the city of Berkeley should not be taking sides by setting aside public resources to disrespect them.”

Assembly Bill 2615 would have stripped the City of Berkeley of $3.3 million in Proposition 1B funding until the council rescinds its ordinance granting protesters a public parking spot adjacent to the Berkeley Marine recruiting office.

“ Berkeley’s City Council has granted anti-military activists a public resource to assist in barricading the Marine recruitment office,” saidHouston. “The public right of way has been violated and I am disappointed our state legislature has decided not to do something about it.”

Assemblyman Guy Houston represents the 15th Assembly District, which includes portions of Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, and San Joaquincounties.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scXXs4_2Ako – Code Pink barricading U.S. Marine Crops recruitment office
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrT4mKW4CVI – Assemblyman Houston speaks out about why AB 2615 is necessary.

# # #

Kimberly Mitchell, Press Secretary
Assemblyman Guy Houston
Capitol Office, Rm 2130
916.319.2484

Positioning for Victory
 
It's fun to watch the Democrats desperately trying to spin how everything is so wonderful for their team as we head into the thick of this general election campaign.  Lest we allow the pixiedust to have too much of an effect, let's take a look at some of the major forces
that are moving our way in California and nationally.
 
Something clearly happened on Senator Clinton's trip to her coronation as the Democrats' nominee for President.  The limo wheels have come off, and the campaign is in turmoil as managers are fired and new people brought into try to save the day.  Barack Obama, a first term Senator from Illinois who only won his seat when the Republican candidate dropped out in 2004, continues to give the Senator a run for the money.
 
Meanwhile, National Journal just rated all 100 U.S. Senators and found the most liberal to be: Barack Obama.  Now, with Ted Kennedy in the Senate that's a tough title to claim, yet somehow Obama managed to get to the left of the Massachusetts Senator.  Left wing activists have managed to pull both Obama and Clinton so far to the extreme that primary voters in the remaining states have a choice between the far left and the very far left.
 
On the Republican side, the contest for the Republican nomination is over in everything but name.  Senator McCain will be the Republican nominee, with the race wrapped up early, providing time necessary to build a national structure and link up with party organizations for a united front.  Meanwhile, Senators Obama and Clinton will continue spending millions of dollars tearing each other up, just as Republicans are uniting behind Senator McCain.
 
In California, the state's most popular elected official, Governor Schwarzenegger, is squarely behind the soon-to-be Republican nominee.  With Senator McCain pledging to compete vigorously in California, this constitutes a one-two punch that should have the Democrats concerned.  The Electoral College map is fundamentally altered if California is in
play.  Simply put, Democrats can't win without the Golden State.  All the Ohio's, Pennsylvania's, and Florida's can't change this fact.
 
Meanwhile, our party is fresh off a historic 100% win rate in the February 5 primary election.  Despite early polling showing Republicans favored Proposition 93 and were soft in supporting Propositions 94 - 97, the party's barrage of mail, phone calls, and broadcast media helped boost Republican support in favor of the party's position on every measure.
 
As a result, Don Perata and Fabian Nunez have been given new reasons to dust off their resumes as their effort to game term limits was crushed thanks to the efforts of the California Republican Party and Republican Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, who led the No on 93 effort.
 
Looking at legislative and congressional races, Democrats have few reasons to be cocky.  We have solid Republicans lining up in targeted Assembly, Senate and Congressional races.  Tony Strickland is as strong as they come to take Tom McClintock's Senate seat.  Sen. Abel Maldonado is solid.  Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian is well positioned in the 5th Senate district and a proven campaigner.  
 
Democrat Congressman Jerry McNerney has every reason to be deeply concerned in his try for a second term in the Republican-leaning 11th district as he faces Republican Dean Andal.  I've known Dean for years and rarely have I found someone who is as solid on both policy and politics.  He's a serious lawmaker who doubles as an incredibly effective campaigner, organizer, and fundraiser.  The strength of Dean's candidacy is a key factor in the 11th CD being the top Congressional race to watch in the country.  McNerney would be a stronger competitor if he had shown a hint of moderation in this Republican-leaning district.  Yet, McNerney's proven himself to be little different than Nancy Pelosi on policy.
 
It's a long ball game and we're still in the early innings, so things may change.  Yet the emerging dynamics of 2008 provide a foundation for victory when a united Republican Party meets the Democrats on the electoral battlefield this fall.
 
Ron Nehring is the Chairman of the California Republican Party.  This column first appeared on the Flashreport.

The California Republican Party is moving ahead with the support of thousands of California Republicans.  Thank you for all that you do in support of our party.
 
Sincerely,

Ron Nehring
CHAIRMAN, California Republican Party

Paid for by the California Republican Party.  Not authorized by any federal candidate or committe

CFRW, Northern Division, NOTES AND DOINGS#7, April 30, 2008
Republican Women Honoring God, Country, and Family

The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country. President Calvin Coolidge (1923-29)

CONTENTS
  1. CFRW ADVOCACY DAYS
  2. YOUR TURN: WHO WOULD YOU LIKE?
  3. FOCUS: 2008-2009
  4. ACLU SUFFERS A SETBACK
  5. POWER OF THE PEN AKA LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Issues to consider
  6. TIME MAGAZINE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU AS IT INSULTS OUR VETERANS.
  7. CAN YOU TOP THIS? GOOD IDEAS HERE!
  8. NFRW INVITES YOU TO ADOPT A TROOP
  9. PRAYERS, PLEASE
  10. TEAMWORK/LEADERSHIP TRAINING SPEAKER BART GRAGG
  11. CALENDAR
  12. PHOTOS

    1. CFRW Advocacy Days in Sacramento
    Northern Division was well-represented at Advocacy Days with 32 clubs, 116 members, and 69 students brought by 10 clubs. Sacramento RWF sponsored the most students: 24 students. 2nd was Sonoma Valley with 12, and 3rd was Sutter County with 10. Total adults attending was 250 and the students totaled 180. Congratulations, Northern Division ladies, for encouraging those young adults to better understand how our Republic works through our elected representatives. Thanks to VP North Karen Atteberry for Chairing the program, for N.D. Treasurer Murriel Oles for serving as Registration Chairman and CFRW Chaplain, to Auburn Area President Paula Celick for the Red Jacket Rally, and a special thanks to our Advocate Michelle Connor, a Solano County RWF member, who served as Co-chairman and arranged for the legislators who addressed the students and the adults.

    2. YOUR TURN: WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR?
    Your input is important. You may have already turned in evaluations for both the N.D. Spring Conference and for Advocacy. Your officers are interested in your suggestions, comments, and positive criticism. Please let us know how we might improve our programs and events. Email me: lizfroelich@sbcglobal.net or Jennette Cabot: jngcabot@pacbell.net.

    3. 2008-09 FOCUS-YOU ARE NEEDED on the TEAM!
     Environmentalists vs. Energy Resources is the study issue voted on by the Board of Directors at the Spring Conference. Legislative Issues Chairman Edie Geary presented this topic, which was one of 3 voted on by the ladies. She would be happy to have interested members contact her to assist with the research for this Focus issue. This is an eighteen-month project, which will be presented November 2009, so plenty of time! Email her at esgeary@sbcglobal.net. The other two topics were National Healthcare and Socialized Medicine and Illegal Immigration and its Impact on Our Way of Life.

    4. ACLU SUFFERS A SETBACK!!
     ACLU Runs into Judicial Roadblock The 1.6 million Hoosiers with "In God We Trust" license plates can breathe a sigh of relief that they won't be forced to revisit their local DMV for new tags. Yesterday, a state judge dismissed a suit brought by the ACLU alleging that it was unconstitutional to put our national motto on license plates. Marion Superior Court Judge Gary Miller wrote a blunt opinion about the judicial branch's role in the dispute, which read, "Courts are not to second-guess the Indiana General Assembly when it comes to calculations of this sort." In part, the ACLU had claimed that Indiana was giving the motto "preferential treatment" and should charge the vanity plate fee for the "In God We Trust" message since it isn't the standard state plate. However, the legislation authorizing the plate in 2006 specifically directed the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to offer the plate for free. Although the ACLU vows to appeal within 30 days, we applaud Judge Miller for refusing to overstep his authority and let this group carjack our national motto. Family research council- April 23, 2008 www.frc.org

    5. TWO POWER OF THE PEN IDEAS (AKA Letters to the Editor)
    1.     Recent news articles have denounced abstinence only programs as ineffective. Heritage provides info to counter this media promoted point of view.

    The importance of abstinence education (Myheritage.org April 25, 2008, by Nathaniel Ward)
    Liberals tend to look the other way as our popular culture promotes permissiveness and promiscuity. They further maintain that abstinence education programs have no effect on teen sexual behavior. Many sex-ed programs, therefore, effectively condone risky teen sexual activity so long as contraceptives are used. But abstinence education is both effective and vitally important, Heritage Foundation experts Christie Kim and Robert Rector write in a detailed new analysis. Kim and Rector examined the results of 21 scientific studies on abstinence education. They found that 16 of these studies reported statistically significant positive results, such as delayed sexual initiation and reduced levels of early sexual activity, among youths who have received abstinence education.
    Studies have shown that abstinent teens report, on average, better psychological well-being and higher academic achievement than those who are sexually active. Delaying the initiation of or reducing early sexual activity among teens can decrease their overall exposure to risks of unwed childbearing, STDs, and psycho-emotional harm. Whats more, they find that real abstinence education efforts are crucial to efforts aimed at reducing unwed childbearing and improving youth well-being.
    2. Want to counter the letters decrying the cost of the Iraq war? Here is good info to do just that, thanks to 2nd V.P. Karen Kennedy. What really affects our U.S.A. budget!!

    You think the war in Iraq is costing us too much? Read this:

    Boy am I confused. I have been hammered with the propaganda that it is the Iraq war and the war on terror that is bankrupting us at $125 Billion A Year...

    1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. Verify at: http://tinyurl.com/zob77

    2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. Verify at: http://www.cis...org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

    3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens. Verify at: http://www.cis...org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

    4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! ; Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html

    5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies. Verify at http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

    6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

    7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens. Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

    8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers. Verify at: http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html

    9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

    10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US Verify at: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html

    11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from the Southern border. Verify at: Homeland Security Report: http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

    12. The National Policy Institute, "estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period." ; Verify at: http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf

    13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. Verify at: http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

    14. "The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States." Veri fy at: http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml

    The total cost is a whopping $ 338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.

    6. TIME MAGAZINE INSULTS OUR HEROES
    By: Jennette Cabot, ND Secretary: I and all of those I have circulated the information to are outraged at the cover of the April 28 edition of Time magazine. It depicts Marines pushing up a tree with the title, How to Win the War on Global Warming. Whats outrageous is that it copies the famous photograph of the infamous WWII battle of Iwo Jima, where over 6,000 Americans lost their lives in that notoriously bloody battle. In that photo, brave Marines hoisted a huge American flag after the 36-day battle was over. Needless to say, this dishonors not only those veterans of that battle and all battles of the Pacific, but all veterans. The author of the article calls green the new red, white, and blue. Contact Time with your outrage at: letters@time.com

7. CAN YOU TOP THIS?
Glamour and Glitz descended on Nevada County RWF members and guests on April 15 when over 100 people were treated to a most elegant fashion show by Nancy Palmer Production at the Alta Sierra Country Club. Nancy is a member of NCRWF and she modeled some of the charming outfits herself. Her friends from various organizations modeled attires from area boutiques, including some 2 way skirts and wonderful hats. N. D. Membership Secretary Ruth Van Bemmel and Region III Director Marilyn Crowe also attended and enjoyed the delicious luncheon and fun show. See photos at end of message.

8. NFRW INVITES YOU TO ADOPT OUR TROOPS IN PRAYER
Consider becoming a prayer partner for a military man or woman. It is easy to do and the benefits will be blessings for you. Sign up on the NFRW thru the email message or on the website. It is not complicated and you can print out a certificate to have with your military persons name to place in honor in your home. I now am praying daily for a man in the Air Force. This is a function of the Presidential Prayer Team. Check your NFRW Capitol Connection for last week or go to www.nfrw.org/programs/troops/index.html

9. PRAYERS, PLEASE

  • Speaking of prayers, in your charity, please keep Sacramento RWF member Violet Moberly and her family in your prayers. Violet passed away on Saturday, 4/26. President Dottie Linden wrote, For now, please help Violet get the rousing welcome in heaven she so deserves by sending your prayers for her and her family.
  • Also continue praying for CFRW President Kathy Brugger as she continues her treatments for breast cancer and for past CFRW President Martha House who needs healing, also.


10. BART GRAGG WANTS TO HELP US GROW
Are you ready for those club members who always want the bottom line explained to them before voting or acting? How do you work with an officer who wont listen to you? Bart Gragg, who addressed us at Spring Conference, is willing to travel and bring his motivational workshop to your club. Contact: www.maverickbusinessadvisors.com

11. CALENDAR
June 13 Northern Division Regional Directors and Executive Committee , ourtyard at Marriott, Fairfield 1-6 p.m.
June 21 Just in case you are in Chicago, NFRW is having its 70th anniversary of the Federation at the Palmer House with lunch and other activities. Details are available at www.nfrw.org. or alee@nfrw.org
vOctober (17-19) CFRW Board of Directors, LAX Marriott
November 22-23 Northern Division Fall Conference Crowne Plaza, Foster City

Thanks for listening,
Liz Froelich
President
CFRW, Northern Division

12. PHOTOS


Camille Giglio, CFRW Legislative Analyst & ND Public Relations Chairman, and Betty Arras, ND Opposition Research Chairman

VP North Karen Atteberry, ND 3rd VP Roseann Slonsky-Breault, Congressional candidate Dean Andal, and Liz

New RWF club Yolo being presented Charter (Elaine Simpson, President)

Immediate Past CFRW President Marianne Haydon, Roseann, and ND 2nd VP Karen Kennedy

Our entertainment Star Dancers at April conference in Jackson.
ND Parlimentarian Sandy Pope and Karen Smith, Conference Chairman (Thanks, Karen!)
HOUSTON BILL BRINGING FAIRNESS TO COUNTY FUNDING PASSES IN COMMITTEE
Under funded Counties to receive funds for police and fire protection, and health services

(Sacramento) – Assemblyman Guy Houston (R-San Ramon) announced today that Assembly Bill 2872 passed Assembly Local Government Committee with no opposition. AB 2872 will allow under-funded counties to keep additional property tax revenue needed for county services. The bill, which was co-authored by Assemblyman DeSaulnier (D-Martinez), will bring funding fairness to under-funded counties like Contra Costa for police and fire protection, and health services.

“ School funding equalization, where our once rural districts are receiving less funding then urban districts, isn’t the only example of funding unfairness,” said Houston. “Many California counties have been short changed by Sacramento as well and this inequity must be addressed.”

Each county in the state assesses property taxes based on the value of the property. However the level of funding the county keeps for county use, for schools, roads, police and fire protection was determined by the Legislature in 1979 and has not been adjusted since.

“ Over the past 30 years, counties like Contra Costa have watched their population increase, but the county’s share of the property tax has not,” said Houston. “The county should be receiving its fair share of the funding. Contra Costa could gain upwards of $80 million dollars through my measure for vital services the county needs.”

Every year, several counties in California receive far less in property-tax disbursements than other counties. For example, Contra Costa receives 11% of the county property tax revenues for county services. Orange County receives only 6%. Alpine County receives 65% of its property taxes. The state average is 17%.

“ I am proud to say this bill received bi-partisan support and want to thank Assemblyman DeSaulnier for co-authoring the bill,” said Houston. “This is a step in the right direction and I will continue to work with my colleagues to bring fairness to county funding across the state.”

AB 2872 will raise the property tax rates for county governments who are receiving less than the average state level of 17%, to the 17% level over the next 20 years. This means counties that currently receive less than the state average would receive millions more in funding for services for vital services like public safety, emergency services, and fire protection.

Assemblyman Guy Houston represents the 15th Assembly District, which includes portions of Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, and San Joaquin counties.

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Thousands of dangerous criminals might be headed for our neighborhoods


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Dangerous felons on the streets?
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has proposed releasing 22,159 incarcerated felons, into the communities where they committed their crimes, before their sentences are complete.

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A reckless and unnecessary proposal
Last year I worked on a bipartisan bill (AB 900) to expand prison capacity and create programs that will lower the recidivism rate. The Department's proposal undoes all of our hard work from 2007.

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"Cost-cutting" that barely saves California any money
California is facing a $16 billion deficit. This early release would save less than one-third of one-percent of the state's budget next year.

 

I am committed to keeping your family safe
Be assured that many of my colleagues in Sacramento also agree that releasing tens of thousands of gang members, drug dealers and burglars is unacceptable.