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Taxpayer Alert!
ACA 8: A Direct Assault on Prop. 13
By Jon Coupal
For millions of California homeowners, Saturday was a day that will live in infamy. Without a single public hearing, the California Assembly passed Assembly Constitutional Amendment No. 8 (ACA 8), the most egregious attack on Prop. 13 ever to come out of the Legislature.
Read more…
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Major Threats to Proposition 13 and Homeowners
New Bills Threaten Homeowners and Small Businesses
The new Legislature is dominated by pro-tax politicians. The legislative session has just begun and already the following bills, which undermine the taxpayer protections in Proposition 13, have been introduced. If approved, these bills could cost every property owner thousands of dollars. Read more...
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Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearings
As required by the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, the elected Members of the Board of Equalization hold annual public hearings for business and property taxes to listen to your suggestions, comments, and concerns.
This year, the Business and Property Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights hearings will be held at the locations listed below starting at approximately 1:30 p.m.:
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Board of Equalization Capitol Square Building
1st Floor Board Room, Room 121
450 N Street, Sacramento
Wednesday
July 17, 2013
Board of Equalization District Office
5901 Green Valley Circle, Suite 207, Culver City
Click here for more info...
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Fire Tax Conference
George Runner will hold a teleconference townhall on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. regarding the confusing and controversial Fire Prevention Fee.Those who would like to participate must register by May 6 online at boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling (916) 445-3032.Taxpayers who pre-register will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the townhall. Runner keeps taxpayers informed of the latest fire tax news and information at calfirefee.com.
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THE ONGOING WAR ON WORKING FOLKS
Why is it that the political party that once proudly declared that it stood for working people is now laboring so hard to cost those Californians who are still working their jobs?
Read more...
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Expect to hear a lot more pronouncements from state and local government officials about the need for tax increases, cuts to public services, or both.
CalPERS, the huge pension fund that serves most California government employees, has announced it is raising its rates, a move that will cost employers undefined taxpayers that is undefined up to 50% more. For some local governments already on shaky financial footing, this may be the nudge that sends them down the bankruptcy road already traveled by Vallejo, Stockton and San Bernardino.
Read more…
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Fire Fee 2.0: Six Times Worse!
Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, who represents many rural taxpayers on California’s North Coast, is leading the charge to reinvent and expand the fire fee. His proposal (AB 468) would replace the fire fee with a 4.8 percent “surcharge” on all insured homeowners and businesses in the State of California, regardless of location.
Read more at Fox and Hounds Daily...
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Taxpayers Present Awards in Murphys
The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association hosted its quarterly luncheon at the Murphys Historic Hotel, recently, with keynote speaker Congressman Tom McClintock, who presented Congressional recognition to County Assessor, Leslie Davis. Davis received the Associations award for Excellence in Public Service which was presented by Association President Al Segalla. Davis also received recognition from Senator Tom Berryhill and Assemblyman Frank Bigalow which was presented by their Staff member, Dana Jorgensen.
The Association also presented a surprise recognition award to McClintock for his “continued work promoting Freedom, Prosperity and Constitutional Government
for the people of California and the people of United States of America”.
Other surprise recognitions went to Association Directors Kyran Enzi and Steve Fairchild for their support and dedication to the Association.
The remarks preceding the award to Kyran Enzi were: “To Kyran Enzi for 5 years of loyal service to the Association as Secretary, including helping to organize five annual BBQ s, over 60 Board of Directors meetings and 15 public Luncheons. This is in addition to serving as president of the Copperopolis Areas Business Association, all while providing elder care for her mother, Alice, who quietly passed on January 6, 2013 at the age of 94.”
The Historic Murphys Hotel received recognition for their support of the Association and providing excellent food and service at reasonable prices.
Also speaking was Rebecca Callen, County Auditor/Controller, who provided an update on county financial issues. There was some debate about the new CalPERS agreement as it relates to “defined benefits”.
Rich Taborek, innkeeper, talked about the proposed increase in the Transit Occupancy Tax which, he said, would provide entitlements to six nonprofit groups without oversight and also drop public works funding. Rebecca said that the proposed tax increase has not received proper legal review and is actually illegal as state law requires the Board of Supervisors to be responsible for local taxation. Other elected public officials at the meeting concurred with Rebecca.
Tom McClintock’s remarks included an update on federal issues and explained the current federal financial problem by comparing it with “a family that earns $27,000, but spends $36,000 and has run up a credit card debt of $165,000 is on the brink of financial ruin. Proportionally, that’s exactly where our federal government is today.” He authored HR 444 which would require the President to balance the budget or propose a plan to do so.
Who Are We?
The Calaveras County Taxpayers Association (CCTA) is a network of volunteers who care about the wise use of your tax dollars and maintaining good government.
Sadly, there are thousands of special interest groups, including government itself, dedicated to expanding government and raising your taxes at all levels. So, with your help, we intend to be the local lobby for the taxpayer to help bring back balance.
Here is our Mission Statement and Action Plan:
Mission Statement
We are a nonpartisan, nonprofit, citizen’s advocacy group committed to promoting wise use of taxes and limited government.
We do recognize the human rights to liberty and property in our free society.
We keep a watchful eye on all levels of government, including special districts, and promote a better public understanding of government issues.
We offer awards for excellence in public service.
CCTA Action Plan
Attend Supervisors Meetings
Review Budgets
Hold Public Meetings with Speaker
Organize Candidate & Issue Forums
Present Public Service Awards
Support Privatization Research
Email Alerts to Members
Send Postcard Alerts to Public
Provide Web Discussion Forum
Please consider Joining the Calaveras County Taxpayers Association today. Just click HERE. Thank you.
Al Segalla, President
(209) 785-1491