SACRAMENTO – George Runner announced today that Governor Brown has vetoed Senate Bill 582 but has pledged to move the idea forward anyway. Sponsored by Runner and authored by Senator Steve Knight (R-Antelope Valley), SB 582 was designed to increase efficiency for taxpayers.

“It’s not easy doing business in California. One major challenge is most business owners must pay taxes to three separate state tax agencies,” said Runner. “Our legislation was designed to make life easier for taxpayers by simplifying this process.”

SB 582 would have required the Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board and Employment Development Department to examine how to consolidate their websites, creating a one-stop shop for taxpayers to visit for all of their tax services. The goal was to streamline filing requirements by providing taxpayers with up-to-date integrated access to accounts with all three tax agencies.

In his veto message yesterday Governor Brown expressed support for the bill’s concept, stating the problem needed to be addressed immediately, rather than studied. He instructed his office to examine “if taxpayer service can be improved in a cost effective manner with a single state Webpage for all state taxes” and then move forward with implementation measures.

“I see this resolution as a step forward for taxpayers. I applaud Governor Brown’s commitment to this necessary policy change and look forward to working with his office to ensure it happens,” said Runner.

SB 582 received unanimous, bipartisan support through both the Senate and Assembly. A complete copy of the Governor’s veto message can be found here.

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.