SACRAMENTO, CA – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to a class action lawsuit filed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association:

“As one of California’s elected tax officials, it’s my responsibility to use my elected office to ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly.

“Accordingly, I commend the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association for bringing together Californians from every walk of life and region of our state to right the wrong that is the fire tax.

“The Governor and Legislature’s willingness to impose such an unfair and regressive tax in direct violation of the Constitution should serve as a wake-up call for all freedom-loving Californians.

“I am pleased to lend my full support to this lawsuit, and I look forward to seeing it prevail.”

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. To help inform California taxpayers, Runner has established a website, calfirefee.com, providing the latest fire tax news and information.