Although it received bi-partisan support, Senator Ted Gaines’ (R-Rocklin) bill to repeal the illegal fire tax (Senate Bill 17), failed today in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water on a four-to-three vote with two members abstaining. Senator Gaines was pleased to see so many constituents willing to speak in favor of his bill
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Senate Bill 17 would have reversed the Governor’s and legislative Democrats’ decision to raise $84 million in taxes by charging rural property owners a “fee” for fire prevention services as part of the 2011-12 budget. Gaines office will now continue to work with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association challenging the fee on constitutional grounds.
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Senator Gaines has also introduced two additional bill in the Senate that address other aspects of the Fire Fee.
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A second bill would also exempt low income families from paying the fee.
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These bills have yet to be set for a committee hearing date. Senator Gaines District 1 includes parts of Nevada and Placer counties as well as 9 other northern California counties.