Governor Signs Runner-Sponsored Bill to Help Disabled Veterans

SACRAMENTO – Legislation sponsored by George Runner to protect California’s disabled veterans has become law. Senate Bill 1113, authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), passed the Legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support, and has been signed by Governor Brown.

“This new law will help those who bravely served our country,” said Runner. “Bureaucratic delays will never again rob veterans of the tax benefits that are rightfully theirs.”

Under California law, veterans who receive a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of their home up to $124,932 or $187,399 in 2014 and equivalent amounts adjusted for inflation in future years. The exemption starts on the date of disability and disabled veterans may claim a refund for up to four years of back taxes paid.

Runner Responds to Audit Report on BOE Headquarters

SACRAMENTO – George Runner released the following statement in response to a State Auditor’s report issued today regarding the Board of Equalization’s headquarters building:

“The Auditor’s report is a clear indictment of the state’s efforts so far in dealing with the Board of Equalization’s problem-plagued headquarters, which is literally falling apart.

“It’s clear the Department of General Services has failed to effectively manage the state’s facilities. The State of California should not be in the building business!

Runner-Sponsored Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Heads to Governor

SACRAMENTO – A proposal sponsored by George Runner to protect California’s disabled veterans cleared the Assembly this week with unanimous, bipartisan support, and now awaits action by Governor Jerry Brown.

“I applaud the Legislature for passing this legislation to help the men and women who have bravely served our country,” said Runner. “Bureaucratic delays should never rob veterans of the tax benefits that are rightfully theirs.”

George Runner Unveils Sales Tax Rate Heat Map

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today announced a new Board of Equalization heat map showing varying sales tax rates across California.

“California has more than two hundred sales tax rate jurisdictions, which can be confusing for taxpayers,” said Runner. “Our new map provides a picture of these rates and should serve as a helpful visual aid for taxpayers.”

The map complements the Board’s tax rate lookup tool that enables taxpayers to find a sales tax rate for a specific address.  

George Runner Responds to Budget Passage

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to the Legislature’s approval of an on-time budget:

“Legislators can congratulate themselves on approving an on-time budget. Although this budget contains large spending increases, thankfully it does not raise taxes.

“What’s missing is the broad-based tax relief we need to spur jobs and stimulate growth across our entire economy.

“In addition, the Legislature missed yet another opportunity to defund the bullet train and eliminate the fire tax.

Runner-Sponsored Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Moves to Assembly

SACRAMENTO – A George Runner-sponsored proposal to protect California’s disabled veterans cleared the Senate this week with unanimous, bipartisan support. Senate Bill 1113, authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), would help ensure that disabled veterans who encounter bureaucratic delays can still claim a key property tax exemption.

“Disabled veterans should not miss out on tax benefits to which they are entitled just because the federal government, for whatever reason, is unable to give them their 100% disability rating in a timely manner,” said Runner. 

Runner: Tax Freedom Day Comes Later This Year

SACRAMENTO – Tomorrow Californians can finally celebrate Tax Freedom Day, a full six days later than last year, says George Runner.

“Unfortunately, Californians must work 120 days this year to pay their full tax bill,” said Runner. “California’s burdensome tax climate continues to stifle its citizens, creating a difficult economic environment in which to live and work.”

Runner Sponsored Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Advances - press release

SACRAMENTO – A George Runner proposal to protect California’s disabled veterans won backing from a key legislative panel today, when the Senate Governance and Finance Committee voted 7-0 to back SB 1113. The measure, authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), would help ensure that disabled veterans who encounter bureaucratic delays can still claim a key property tax exemption.

“Disabled veterans should not miss out on tax benefits to which they are entitled just because the federal government, for whatever reason, is unable to give them their 100% disability rating in a timely manner,” said Runner. [View video of Runner testimony]

Under California law, veterans who receive a 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value of their home up to $124,932 or $187,399 in 2014 and equivalent amounts adjusted for inflation in future years. The exemption starts on the date of disability and disabled veterans may claim a refund for up to four years of back taxes paid.

George Runner Announces Multicultural Business and Career Expo

George Runner Announces Multicultural Business and Career Expo

What:             In partnership with the Slavic Community Center of Sacramento, Board of Equalization Member George Runner is sponsoring the 5th Annual Multicultural Business and Career Expo. The event, also supported by the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, Russian American Media and the Slavic-American Chamber of Commerce, is designed to provide businesses with educational programs and employment opportunities.

Where:           Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Dr., Citrus Heights, California

When:            10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., April 16, 2014

Runner Fire Fee Legislation to Face First Committee Hearing

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bills 1519 and 1954, two pieces of George Runner sponsored legislation relating to the Fire Prevention Fee, will have their first committee hearings Monday.

AB 1519, authored by Assemblyman Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks), would eliminate the burdensome penalty placed on taxpayers who appeal their Fire Prevention Fee bill and are denied. Under current law, taxpayers who unsuccessfully appeal their Fire Prevention Fee bills are charged an egregious 20% monthly penalty if they fail to pay within 30 days, even if the taxpayer has agreed to an installment payment arrangement.

AB 1954, authored by Assemblywoman Harkey (R-Dana Point), would give taxpayers an additional, unbiased, level of protection by allowing them to appeal their Fire Prevention Fee bills to the Board of Equalization if they are denied by CAL-FIRE.

Runner Proposes Tax Help for Disabled Veterans

SACRAMENTO – George Runner announced today he is sponsoring legislation to enhance tax benefits for California’s disabled veterans. SB 1113, authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), will help ensure that disabled veterans who encounter bureaucratic delays can still claim a key property tax exemption.

“These brave men and women have sacrificed greatly for our country and should not be penalized by a slow bureaucratic process,” said Runner. “This legislation is necessary to give veterans better access to the full benefit offered to them by a grateful state.”

George Runner: Gas Tax Cut ‘Good News for California’

George Runner issued the following statement today after joining a 5-0 vote to lower the gasoline excise tax 3.5 cents per gallon as of July 1, 2014:

“Our vote today is good news for California taxpayers. This much-needed tax relief will arrive as Californians are on the road for summer vacations.

“Lower gas taxes are good for our economy and good for jobs, but even with this cut Californians will continue to pay one of the highest gas taxes in the nation.

Runner Responds to Proposed Gas Tax Cut - press release

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today issued the following statement regarding a Board of Equalization staff proposal to reduce the gas tax by 3.5 cents per gallon for the 2014-15 fiscal year:

“This proposed gas tax cut will give Californians a much-deserved tax break and help lower travel costs this summer. It has my full support.

“Although I’m pleased the tax will go down this year, it’s unfortunate that California will continue to have one of the highest gas tax rates in the nation.

“California has a confusing and complicated gas tax scheme that was imposed by the Governor and Legislature in 2010 over my objections. The BOE did not create this tax scheme.

“Taxes are hard enough to accept, but when they can’t be simply explained, it erodes public confidence. This tax scheme is so complicated even expert tax professionals have a hard time understanding it.

Runner to Hold Small Business Telephone Townhall

SACRAMENTO – Board of Equalization Member George Runner will host a telephone townhall for small business owners on Tuesday, February 4 at 10:00 a.m. The free event, co-hosted by the National Federation of Independent Business, will provide specific information to small business owners on how best to avoid common tax errors.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but everyday owners face challenges with California’s complicated tax laws,” said Runner. “As their elected taxpayer advocate, I want to make sure small business owners can be successful and avoid the pitfalls of California’s tax traps.”

Those wishing to participate may register online at www.boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling 916-445-3032.

Runner Calls on Governor to Eliminate Fire Fee

Runner Calls on Governor to Eliminate Fire Fee

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today urged Governor Jerry Brown to restore full funding to CAL-FIRE and eliminate the confusing and controversial Fire Prevention Fee in the revised version of his 2014-15 budget proposal.

“The Fire Prevention Fee was established during a time of crisis, when the state faced multi-billion budget deficits,” said Runner. “Those budget deficits are gone, but the fire fee remains, much to the chagrin of hundreds of thousands of rural property owners throughout California.”

The Board of Equalization is required by law to mail “Fire Prevention Fee” bills on behalf of CAL-FIRE to nearly 800,000 Californians each year. In the 2012-13 fiscal year, the Board of Equalization and CAL-FIRE spent a combined total of more than $17 million to collect only $75 million from Fire Fee payers.

George Runner Responds to State of the State Address

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s State of the State address:

“Governor Brown provided a good executive summary of where California is now but with little direction for our future. He outlined many of California’s problems, but did not propose tangible solutions.

“I am pleased to hear Governor Brown’s continued calls for fiscal discipline. But just as saving money in a rainy day fund is an important way to prepare for future economic downturns, additional water storage is vital to ensuring California is equipped for future droughts. I am disappointed Governor Brown did not provide a plan to deal with our current water shortage.

Windfall Could Tempt Legislature to Repeat Past Spending Mistakes

By George Runner

We’ve all heard dramatic stories of lottery winners acquiring hundreds of millions of dollars only to declare bankruptcy a few years later. In fact, studies show 70% of all individuals who suddenly receive large amounts of money will lose it in a short period of time.

The cause of this problem is impulse spending by people who incorrectly assume they will never have to worry about money again. They spend as much as they want on whatever they want, making permanent financial decisions with their one time earnings.

This year, California essentially won the lottery when it comes to the budget. The Governor’s budget proposal shows nearly $20 billion more in revenues will be generated during the next fiscal year than was collected three years ago.

Years ago, during the Davis administration, California found itself in a similar situation. As Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee at the time, I remember sitting in Governor Davis’s office as he personally promised to show fiscal restraint with the state’s large revenue windfall. Unfortunately, Governor Davis ultimately caved to pressure from legislative Democrats and authorized ongoing spending with those temporary revenue dollars.

Governor Davis said all the right things, but his actions spoke louder than his words.

Runner Responds to Governor's Budget

Runner Responds to Governor’s Budget

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s 2014-15 Budget Proposal:

“A budget that demonstrates fiscal restraint is essential for California to stay on track. The Governor’s high speed rail funding plan shows at least some of his funding priorities are off track.

“Increased revenues are primarily the result of temporary tax increases that will soon expire. California cannot solve its long-term budget problems by relying on temporary solutions that undermine job creation and economic growth.

Taxpayers Speak Out Against Unjust Fire Tax - by, George Runner

Taxpayers Speak Out Against Unjust Fire Tax

As seen in California Political News & Views, Fox & Hounds Daily, Noozhawk and The Record Searchlight

By George Runner

For the second time in as many years, the State of California is mailing hundreds of thousands of fire tax bills to rural Californians who live in the so-called State Responsibility Area. The bills are hitting mailboxes even as the class action lawsuit I’m backing has finally received a green light to move forward.

As Jon Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association is fond of saying, “the wheels of justice grind slowly.” Although I believe the lawsuit against the fire tax will ultimately prevail, it appears the trial won’t be until next year at the earliest.

Runner to Hold Fire Fee Telephone Townhalls

SACRAMENTO – George Runner will hold two telephone townhalls in July regarding the confusing and controversial Fire Prevention Fee. The first townhall, on Monday, July 15 at 6 p.m., will be for residents of Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Siskiyou, Shasta, and Tehama counties. A week later, on Tuesday July 23 at 6 p.m., a second event will be held for residents of Placer, Sierra, Nevada, and Yuba counties.

“Many of my constituents have expressed concern about the fairness and cost of this new tax,” Runner said. “As their elected taxpayer advocate, it’s important for me to hear their concerns and keep them apprised of the latest developments.”