Press release from Senator Ted Gaines

GOVERNOR BROWN’S BUDGET REVISE & TAX INCREASE PROPOSAL

On May 14, Governor Brown announced the budget deficit is now at a staggering $16 billion – $7 billion more than his initial budget in January. As shocking as that number may be, it should come as no surprise and neither should the Governor’s kneejerk call for higher taxes as a “solution” for our problems.

Senator Gaines on NEW LEGISLATIVE EFFORT TO REPEAL ILLEGAL FIRE TAX

NEW LEGISLATIVE EFFORT TO REPEAL ILLEGAL FIRE TAX

Senator Gaines supports effort to repeal the fire tax.

I reported on this in a “Special Edition” of the Gaines Gazette, but thought it was worth repeating here in case you missed it…

I recently stood with fellow legislative Republicans and California’s rural residents to announce Assembly Bill 1506 (R–Jeffries), a measure to repeal the fire tax.

This $150 fire tax is illegal and unfair– plain and simple. Many rural property owners already pay local fire agencies for protection so it is clearly double-taxation and it is being dumped on the backs of rural Californians when the state has 11–percent unemployment and families are struggling just to make ends meet.

Panel Discusses California's Economic Crisis - Update from Senator Ted Gaines

On December 7, I convened a panel of California government and economic experts to hold an informative and insightful community discussion at the State Capitol to explore the myriad challenges dragging down our state and opportunities for an economic renaissance.
In light of the recent Legislative Analyst’s Office report on California’s grim fiscal outlook, I felt it was critical to examine every opportunity to turn around our state’s economy. The diverse panel of experts spoke from different perspectives on what ails California, but one overarching theme is that our state needs to make it easier for businesses to succeed.

New Laws of 2012 - update from Senator Ted Gaines

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 my two bills (Senate Bill 593 & 751) that I detailed 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:
Senate Bill 48 (Leno-D): Public schools must now include positive lessons on the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community and their contributions, as well as Native Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders and people with disabilities.

Assembly Bill 130 (Cedillo-D): The first half of the California DREAM Act goes into effect, qualifying undocumented students attending California’s public institutions of higher education for privately funded financial aid.

Note to Constituents from Senator Ted Gaines

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dear Friends,
Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in the First Senate District meeting with my constituents and listening to their ideas and concerns.
As we enter an exciting and challenging new year, I look forward to working with you all to make California a better place to live, work and raise our families.
As always, I will continue to keep you updated and informed on important developments and the latest news taking place at the Capitol.
It is truly an honor to serve as your representative in the State Senate.
Sincerely,
Ted Gaines

Beware Carbon Monoxide Scam - from Senator Gaines

It has come to my attention that residents have been receiving letters from the so–called "California Housing and Safety Association" regarding Senate Bill 183, which mandates the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all single–family homes as of July 2011.

The letter requests the resident purchase from the so–called "Association" a carbon monoxide detector for $76 or they may face the possibility of fines and/or penalties.

“WORST 11 OF 2011 – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” - from Senator Gaines

Last month, I reported on the “Worst 11 Bills of 2011” 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 11" were signed into law.
Assembly Bill 6 (Fuentes–D) – Eliminates fingerprint requirements for a state welfare program, removing a common–sense provision for receiving benefits and opening the door to massive fraud.
UPDATE: SIGNED BY GOVERNOR BROWN

Assembly Bill 499 (Atkins–D) – Undermines families by allowing 12–year olds to get treatment for sexually transmitted diseases without telling their parents.
UPDATE: SIGNED BY GOVERNOR BROWN

Assembly Bill 889 (Ammiano–D) – Forces parents to provide worker’s compensation and breaks to babysitters.
UPDATE: PLACED ON SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE SUSPENSE FILE

Assembly Bill 727 (Mitchell–D) – Requires the state to put at least 50–percent "healthy" food in state building vending machines.
UPDATE: PLACED ON SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE SUSPENSE FILE

Senator Gaines Receives Perfect Score On 2011 Taxpayer Report Card

Senator Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) today announced that he has scored 100 percent on the California Taxpayers Association’s (CalTax) 2011 Voting Record. Gaines was one of only 30 state legislators out of the 120 Assembly and Senate members to receive the top score.
“I am honored to stand with taxpayers in the fight against the over-spending crisis that plagues Sacramento,” said Gaines. “As a small business owner, I am familiar with the hurdles and burdens hardworking taxpayers face every day. California should be creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive, not stifling their growth with excessive taxes and onerous regulations.”

Ted Gaines Town Hall meetings

Fair Oaks/
Gold RiverMonday, October 10
6-8 p.m.Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse (Lower level)
7997 California Avenue
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

FolsomTuesday, October 11
6-8 p.m.Folsom Lake College (Community Room)
10 College Parkway
Folsom, CA 95630

OrangevaleWednesday, October 12
6-8 p.m.Orangevale Community Center (Meeting Room)
6826 Hazel Avenue
Orangevale, CA 95662

PlacervilleMonday, October 24
6-8 p.m.Placerville Town Hall
549 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667

Ted Gaines Town Hall Meetings for October 2011

CITYDATE/TIMELOCATION
AuburnWednesday, October 5
6-8 p.m.Placer County Board of Supervisors Chambers
175 Fulweiler Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603

El Dorado HillsThursday, October 6
6-8 p.m.El Dorado Hills Community Services District
(Pavilion)
1021 Harvard Way
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Ted Gaines Wants your input on ridiculous regulations

WANTED: Ridiculous Regulations!

It’s no secret that California is a difficult place to do business. California’s regulatory burden is often cited in business literature, by CEOs and think tanks as a major impediment to job growth. 
The mountains of ridiculous regulations are a hidden tax on all of us as they are costly, frustrating and a waste of precious time. But complex and unnecessary rules are especially tough on small businesses that are on the front lines of the battle with the bureaucratic language, long wait times and unnecessary hoop-jumping triggered by thousands of rules from multiple levels of government.

Letter from Ted Gaines

Introducing Senate Bill 391, the Parole Reform Act of 2011

In last month’s Gaines Gazette, I invited you all to attend the "Community Discussion on Public Safety" I hosted at the State Capitol on August 3rd, along with law enforcement leaders and victims’ rights organizations, to explore deficiencies in state law and identify potential legislative solutions to prevent tragedies - like the Jaycee Lee Dugard case - from ever occurring again.
On August 17, working closely with El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, I introduced Senate Bill 391, the "Parole Reform Act of 2011." This bipartisan legislation will make a critical change to California’s parole system, helping keep dangerous, life-term prisoners incarcerated.