Senator Gaines votes against gun bills

ANTI–GUN BILLS MAKING THEIR WAY THROUGH LEGISLATURE

This year I co–authored a resolution commemorating the 5–year anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision in the case “District of Columbia v. Heller.” The Heller decision was a landmark victory for gun owners and for anyone who supports the 2nd Amendment, as the Court determined that the right to keep and bear arms was unconnected to any militia service and was fully vested in individuals.

New Laws 2013 - letter from Senator Gaines

NEW LAWS OF 2013

January 1st marks the New Year and also the day that hundreds of new California laws go into effect whether we like them or not. In addition to Proposition 30 (the state sales tax increase of a quarter-cent) that I mentioned in the special edition of the Gaines Gazette, I wanted to give you a glimpse of what’s in store for the state. Some are practical and logical while others are ridiculous. Here are just a few of the new bills that became law on January 1: 

Senator Gaines Press release re: Prop 30

January 1^st marks the New Year and also the day that hundreds of new California laws go into effect. One of those laws that will impact your daily lives is the Proposition 30 sales tax increase, approved by voters in November.

In addition to raising income taxes on Californians earning more than $250,000 a year, Proposition 30 increases the sales tax one quarter of one percent (0.25%) from 7.25 percent to 7.50 percent on January 1, 2013.

Senator Gaines - Worst 12 of 2012 - where are they now

“WORST 12 of 2012” – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Last month, I reported on the “Worst 12 Bills of 2012” following the legislative session. I wanted to provide an update on where those bills stand now that Governor Brown has concluded his signing/vetoing. Unfortunately, six out of those “ugly 12” were signed into law and will go into effect January 1, 2013.

Ted Gaines announces his pick for the worst 12 bills of 2012

ANNOUNCING THE “WORST 12 of 2012”

With the legislative session now behind us, I took the opportunity to catalog what I thought to be the “Worst 12 Bills of 2012.” Unfortunately, this list is far from comprehensive, but it’s representative of today’s twisted, trivial, irrational and harmful legislative agenda. These bills attack our economy, our budget and our families. Below are “The Ugly 12” (in no particular order): 

Senator Ted Gaines - opposing the fire tax

I’ve written much about my opposition to the illegal fire tax over the past year. I attempted to fight it through a referendum and legislation as my rural district includes nearly 20 percent of the state’s homeowners who are subject to the fee. My office has been flooded with calls from constituents upset over the fire tax bills that have been arriving in their mailboxes and I want to share some helpful information about how to protest it.

I am supporting the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) who will be filing a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of the tax and seeking refunds for people who have filed a “Petition for Redetermination” with the responsible agencies.

Senator Gaines Reacts To Continued Access Restrictions For Off-Road Recreationalists

Senator Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin) today expressed disappointment in the continued reduction in access for motorized off-road recreationalists in California following the closure by the federal government of more than 800 miles of roads and trails in the Tahoe National Forest.