THOUSAND OAKS, CA - Candidates vying to represent Ventura County in the U.S. House of Representatives and the California Assembly will participate in a public forum on Saturday, May 10, at California Lutheran University.

The event, presented by the Acorn Newspapers and CLU, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center on the Thousand Oaks campus.

Three of the four candidates on the June 3 primary ballot for the 26th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives plan to participate. They are state Assemblyman Jeff Gorell, R-Camarillo, Republican businessman Rafael Dagnesses of Santa Rosa Valley and independent Douglas Kmiec, a Pepperdine University law professor from Malibu. The incumbent, Julia Brownley, D-Thousand Oaks, declined to participate.

The 26th District includes all of Ventura County except for most of Simi Valley and a coastal strip on the north end of the county, and extends into sections of Los Angeles County. Closely divided between Democrats and Republicans, it is considered one of the most competitive districts in California.

All of the candidates for the 44th Assembly District plan to participate in the forum: Thousand Oaks Councilwoman Jacqui Irwin, a Democrat, and Thousand Oaks pastor Rob McCoy and Camarillo businessman Mario de la Piedra, both Republicans. The 44th District includes most of Ventura County including Camarillo, Oxnard, Moorpark, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and parts of Simi Valley.

The first- and second-place finishers in both races, regardless of party, will advance to the general election ballot.

CLU political science professor Herb Gooch will introduce the candidates. John Loesing, managing editor of the Acorn Newspapers, and Kyle Jorrey, editor of the Thousand Oaks Acorn, will ask questions that were composed with Gooch’s assistance.

The event will be streamed live at ustream.tv/channel/cal-lutheran.

The forum is free and open to the public. Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center is located at 130 Overton Court. For more information, contact Gooch at gooch@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3348, or Jorrey at tonewstip@theacorn.com.

WASHINGTON - Today, the National Republican Congressional Committee announced that Jeff Gorell has been elevated to ‘Contender’ in the NRCC’s ‘Young Guns’ program. The program helps to provide candidates and their campaigns the tools they need to run effective, successful and winning campaigns against their Democratic opponents. Originally founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Majority Whip Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Budget Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program supports and mentors challenger and open-seat candidates in races across the country. Gorell is running in California’s 26th Congressional District.

“Voters believe strongly that the country is on the wrong track because of President Obama and Nancy Pelosi’s failed legislation, like ObamaCare. Jeff Gorell has reached the ‘Contender’ status because he is exemplary of the new leadership needed in Washington D.C. to turn our country around and provide a check and balance in Washington,” said NRCC Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). “I am confident that Jeff will continue to work hard for his district and bring sound, conservative principles to Congress.”

Jeff Gorell is a military veteran, educator, and legislator. He is currently a Commander-Select in the United States Navy Reserve. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Jeff was deployed to the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan and has been decorated for his leadership in combat. He currently serves as a member in the California State Assembly and holds a teaching post at California Lutheran University. Jeff and his wife Laura have three children.

Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) will be hosting a resources fair for seniors in Ventura County. The event will bring community groups together at the Padre Serra Parish on Upland Road in Camarillo to offer information about their services to senior citizens, family members, and caregivers. State constituent affairs representatives will also be on hand to help seniors with government programs and support.

Assemblyman Gorell will start the event by providing a legislative update on senior issues. The remainder of the event will be open for attendees to explore the resource fair. More than 40 senior-serving organizations throughout the county will be hosting tables and making presentations at the resource fair, providing awareness about resources available to local seniors.

Among the organizations participating include: Ventura County Area Agency on Aging; Camarillo Health Care District; El Concilio Family Services; and Senior Concerns.

When: Wednesday, April 16, 2014
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Padre Serra Parish
5205 Upland Road
Camarillo, CA 93012

The event is open to the public, and anyone wishing to attend should RSVP with Amanda Broggie at Assemblyman Gorell’s district office by calling (805) 482-1904 or via email at Amanda.Broggie@asm.ca.gov.

Assemblyman Jeff Gorell will be continuing his series of “Sidewalk Office Hours” where he looks forward to meeting with constituents and discussing their concerns. Informational material will be provided and a constituent affairs representative will be available to address specific concerns about working with state and local agencies. Spanish language speaking staff members will also be available.

The next public event will be on Friday, April 18th in Oxnard in front of Assemblyman Gorell’s Oxnard Office, across the street from Plaza Park from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. This is also an opportunity for anyone who hasn’t yet seen the new Oxnard office to come visit.

Please come by and share your opinions and ideas with Assemblyman Jeff Gorell in person at:

Assemblyman Jeff Gorell's Oxnard District Office
519 S C St
Oxnard, CA 93030

For complete directions you can visit GoogleMaps at: https://goo.gl/maps/qejEF

For additional information, please call Jeff's district office at (805) 482-1904.

Sacramento, CA – Citing the recent suspension of three California State Senators facing separate felony criminal charges including perjury, voter fraud, bribery, corruption, and gun trafficking, Assemblymembers Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) and Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) today announced legislation to provide whistleblower protections for legislative staff members who report illegal and unethical behavior of their superiors.

“Corruption must never be tolerated. The legislature should be doing everything in its power to ensure this government is one of honor and integrity,” said Assemblywoman Melendez. “Providing whistleblower protections to legislative staff is a first step in the fight to eradicate corruption and begin the process of restoring the public’s trust.”

“We can encourage a greater level of accountability and transparency by giving legislative staff members the confidence to report this type of criminal behavior in the future,” stated Assemblyman Gorell, a former Ventura County prosecutor. “Staff members have the greatest visibility over activities in and around the Capitol, and they are likely to have the most immediate knowledge of unethical or criminal behavior. We must create an environment where employees feel more comfortable reporting bad behavior.”

While most state workers in California are currently covered by the Whistleblower Protection Act, those rights are protected by the State Personnel Board, an agency which has no authority over legislative staff. The bill establishes a clear process in which legislative staff can bring allegations of improper acts to the Committee on Rules of the Assembly or Senate for investigation.

The language of the whistleblower protection bill will be amended into AB 2065.

Thousand Oaks, CA - The Ventura County Republican Party today announced its endorsement of Jeff Gorell for Congress in District 26.

"The Republican Party of Ventura County is proud to endorse Assemblyman Jeff Gorell to be our next Representative in Congress," declared Party Chairman Mike Osborn. "Jeff Gorell has the background and the proven winning record to deliver victory for the Republican Party in November."

"Jeff has worked successfully to unite Republican volunteers-earning endorsements from the California Republican Assembly, the Young Republican Federation of California and the Republican Party of Los Angeles County. The Republican Party of Ventura County is proud to join these grassroots Republicans in endorsing Jeff's candidacy for Congress," continued Osborn.

"Ventura County Republicans are greatly impressed with Jeff's experience as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves where he served two tours of duty overseas in Afghanistan and the Middle East," continued Osborn.

"Assemblyman Gorell is a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and Republican values," stated Osborn. "As our Republican Vice Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, he is leading the fight against high taxes, wasteful spending and job-killing government bureaucracy."

"Jeff is earning increased national recognition for his campaign. His candidacy provides Republicans with our best opportunity to win back the Congressional District long held by our respected former Representative Elton Gallegly," concluded Chairman Osborn.

SACRAMENTO, CA – 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.

“The confusing and controversial fire fee is tax policy at its worst,” said George Runner. “It should be eliminated entirely, but until then AB 1519 and AB 1954 are helpful steps to provide some relief from this burdensome tax.”

AB 1519 will be heard in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, while AB 1954 will be heard in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. Both hearings begin at 1:30 p.m.

George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a taxpayer advocate and elected member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit boe.ca.gov/Runner or calfirefee.com.

SACRAMENTO, CA – 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.”

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.

Unfortunately, due to VA backlogs, some veterans have had to wait more than four years to receive their disability rating certifications. As a result, they’ve missed out on thousands of dollars in property tax refunds to which they were entitled and anticipated receiving.

SB 1113 would increase the availability of refunds on taxes previously paid from four years to eight years, allowing veterans to receive the full benefit of their exemption, even if the rating process takes more than four years to complete.

“Veterans wounded in the defense of our country have earned more than our appreciation and respect,” said Knight. “I am proud to author SB 1113 to ensure they have access to the tax benefits they deserve.”

SB 1113, currently sponsored by Runner, will be considered for sponsorship by the full Board of Equalization at its March 25 hearing.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

SACRAMENTO, CA – 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.”

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.

Unfortunately, due to VA backlogs, some veterans have had to wait more than four years to receive their disability rating certifications. As a result, they’ve missed out on thousands of dollars in property tax refunds to which they were entitled and anticipated receiving.

SB 1113 would increase the availability of refunds on taxes previously paid from four years to eight years, allowing veterans to receive the full benefit of their exemption, even if the rating process takes more than four years to complete.

“Veterans wounded in the defense of our country have earned more than our appreciation and respect,” said Knight. “I am proud to author SB 1113 to ensure they have access to the tax benefits they deserve.”

SB 1113, currently sponsored by Runner, will be considered for sponsorship by the full Board of Equalization at its March 25 hearing.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

SACRAMENTO – George Runner today announced that the Board of Equalization is making good progress in getting millions of dollars in security deposits back to California businesses.

“We’re currently writing to more than 4,000 taxpayers who made non-cash security deposits, like bonds and TCDs, to let them know they are no longer required to post security,” said Runner. “These non-cash deposits exceed more than $40 million statewide.”

The Board is authorized by state law to collect security deposits from new and existing businesses in case a business defaults on tax payments to the Board. However, of the nearly $300 million in security on deposit with the state, only a small percentage was drawn down each year—making the program no longer cost effective for the state.

Runner provided the following partial list of numbers for non-cash security deposits released to businesses in cities throughout the southern portion of the district he was elected to represent:

City Accounts Non-Cash Security Amount
VENTURA 22 $193,725.00
THOUSAND OAKS 10 $178,000.00
SANTA CLARITA 17 $93,415.00
OXNARD 7 $85,000.00
ONTARIO 4 $67,175.00
MOORPARK 4 $64,025.00
VALENCIA 12 $59,700.00
PALMDALE 9 $59,155.00
SIMI VALLEY 10 $50,462.00
SAN BERNARDINO 1 $50,000.00
LANCASTER 13 $49,600.00
POMONA 7 $48,975.00
MANASSAS 1 $48,000.00
CAMARILLO 7 $47,762.50
GLENDALE 1 $35,000.00
AZUSA 8 $33,455.00

Depending on the type of security released, taxpayers may need to contact their financial institution, insurance agent or broker to complete the process of cancelling their deposit.

“I’m thrilled California’s security deposit shake-down is finally over for new business owners trying to get started in our state,” added Runner. “Next month we’ll begin the process of returning cash deposits. Getting an unexpected check in the mail should prove to be a pleasant surprise for many small business owners.”

In December 2013, at Runner’s urging, the Board of Equalization voted unanimously to end the sweeping security deposit requirements the Board had previously imposed on new California corporations and LLCs.

The required security had typically equaled half a year’s worth of expected taxes and ranged from $2,000 to $50,000 per company.

The Board’s December action immediately ended deposit requirements for nearly all new businesses. Under the new policy, the Board will require security only when a business has a history of non-payment or poses a high compliance risk.

Most states do not impose automatic security requirements. In fact, California’s requirements had been among some of the most sweeping in the nation, catching many new business owners by surprise.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

SACRAMENTO – George Runner announced today he is sponsoring legislation to extend common sense protections to taxpayers. Two identical measures, AB 2510 (Wagner) and SB 1327 (Knight), would require the state to provide a full refund to all individuals who paid a tax later declared unconstitutional or illegal.

“It is criminal that the State of California can keep money it illegally collects from its citizens,” said Board of Equalization Member George Runner. “Anyone who in good faith pays what ends up being an illegal tax should get their money back. It’s as simple as that.”

Currently, taxpayers are only eligible to receive refunds if they have exhausted all their administrative appeals remedies, even if the tax they paid is later declared illegal or unconstitutional. AB 2510 and SB 1327 would require the state to automatically issue refunds to taxpayers whose information is up to date. It would also open up an additional appeals period of one year after a state tax is declared illegal or unconstitutional, giving taxpayers a chance to apply for the refunds they deserve.

“When government makes a mistake, they need to do the right thing. This bill would return illegally collected taxes to the taxpayers… it’s just common sense,” said Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley).

“When California taxpayers have been illegally forced to pay a tax, it should not be their responsibility to fill out paperwork that they may or may not know exists, in order to recoup this money. The State needs to reimburse the taxpayers as quickly and painlessly as possible – it is not our money,” said Assemblyman Donald Wagner (R-Irvine).

The bills would apply to state taxes and fees paid by both businesses and individuals, including the controversial Fire Prevention Fee. Even if a class action lawsuit challenging the fire fee is successful, under current law only taxpayers who filed appeals within 30 days of the date on their bills would be eligible for refunds.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

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.

“Unfortunately, some in the Legislature want you to pay more taxes, rather than less. Just last week a leading lawmaker proposed raising your gas tax by up to 43 cents per gallon.

“Rather than plotting to raise taxes at a time when the state is already awash in cash, lawmakers should be finding ways to simplify our tax laws and make life easier for California taxpayers.

“Lawmakers could start by scrapping the confusing and complicated gas tax formula they enacted in 2010 and replacing it with one that is simple, straightforward and easy to understand.”

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

Sacramento, CA – Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) today introduced legislation requiring that violent felons who tamper with or remove their GPS monitoring devices while on parole will have their parole revoked and be returned to jail for a minimum of 180 days. By doing this, we will protect the public and prevent possible future victims; especially in light of the public safety realignment and early release policies that have resulted in an uptick in crime rates.

Assembly Bill 2477 expands upon last year’s legislation which placed strict monitoring requirements upon paroled sex offenders. Gorell’s bill recognizes that large numbers of violent felons released under Governor Brown’s prison realignment system are required to wear GPS tracking devices, but the punishment for disabling the tracking devices is often insignificant.

“Without the deterrence of additional jail time, violent felons who continue to prey upon innocent Californians see no problem with removing their GPS tracking devices,” stated Assemblyman Gorell. “We put tracking devices on these felons for a reason, and it is important that they be constantly monitored.”

A 2013 article in the Los Angeles Times revealed that parolees can disable their GPS monitors, often with very little risk of serving time because the jails are too full to hold them. Some jails have freed parole violators within days or even hours of their arrest, and some jails have refused to accept these parole violators at all.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in the 15 months before prison realignment, 221 parolees tampered with or cut off their GPS monitors. After the change, between October 2011 and the end of 2012, 482 parolees tampered with or cut their GPS bracelets. AB 2477 can be a very effective tool to help local law enforcement deal with these negative effects of realignment.

State Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) will be officially filing his candidacy papers to run for Congress at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 26 at the Ventura County Registrar of Voters office.

After filing as an official candidate, Gorell is hosting a Campaign Kick-Off Rally and Barbeque for his many supporters throughout the 26th Congressional District at the Veterans Memorial at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 26
12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM

WHERE: Veterans Memorial
Conejo Creek Park North
1379 East Janss Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Moorpark Mayor Janice Parvin will lead a host of community leaders and local residents from across the 26th Congressional District in showing their support for Jeff's candidacy. A brief speaking program will begin the event with a complimentary community barbeque to follow.

"The people of Ventura County are tired of the broken promises and partisan gridlock in Washington DC," declared Gorell. "My campaign is about bringing our local communities together to take back Congress and restore America's leadership."

Camarillo, CA – The office of Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) will be hosting a free public forum on March 5th for individuals who wish to learn more about healthcare options available under Covered California. This workshop is open to the public.

Representatives from Covered California, the United Way of Ventura County, Ventura County Public Health, and local insurance agents will be available to help answer questions about the newly implemented healthcare programs, and to help people find an appropriate healthcare plan for themselves and their families.

What: Covered California Healthcare Information Forum – Open to the Public

When: Wednesday, March 5, 2014
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
(Check-In Begins at 7:30 a.m.)

Where: Ventura County Community Foundation Nonprofit Center
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd.
Camarillo, CA 93012

March 31st is the final day of open enrollment, the period of time in which many Californians can get federal premium assistance to reduce their costs. This federal premium assistance is only available through Covered California.

March 31st is also the last day you can buy insurance to be considered covered for 2014. For additional information on Covered California healthcare plans, visit http://www.CoveredCA.com.

For more info or to RSVP for the event, please contact Assemblyman Jeff Gorell’s District Office at (805) 482-1904.

For media inquiries or for media RSVP, please contact Douglas Lorenz at (805) 242-8123.

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.

“Taxpayers deserve a simple and straightforward tax system that they can easily understand and won’t take them by surprise. They have the right to know how much they’re paying and where those dollars are going.”

The Board of Equalization will consider and vote on the proposed tax rate change at its February 25, 2014 meeting in Culver City.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

SACRAMENTO – Board of Equalization Member George Runner will host a telephone townhall for small business owners on Wednesday, February 19 at 2:00 p.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.

Individuals who pre-register will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the townhall.

The telephone townhall will inform small business owners about how to protect themselves from common tax traps such as missing records, successor liability, underreporting of tax, and invalid resale certificates. Information about these issues will help small business owners avoid making potentially costly mistakes.

Runner held a similar telephone townhall earlier this month. An audio recording is available at www.boe.ca.gov/smallbiz.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

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.

Individuals who pre-register will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the townhall.

The telephone townhall will inform small business owners about how to protect themselves from common tax traps such as missing records, successor liability, underreporting of tax, and invalid resale certificates. Information about these issues will help small business owners avoid making potentially costly mistakes.

Runner will hold a second small business telephone townhall on Wednesday, February 19 at 2:00 p.m for business owners unable to participate on February 4.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.

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.

“The fire fee continues to place more burdens and costs on CAL-FIRE and the State Board of Equalization while providing no additional fire protection for Californians – even with the state’s increased firefighting expenses this year due to dry weather and drought. The fiscally responsible thing to do is eliminate it.”

Restoring CAL-FIRE’s CONTINUED »

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.

“Governor Brown is a good cheerleader for California. The question is, will he stay strong when faced with a liberal Legislature that wants to increase government programs, taxes and regulations.”

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.