Bigelow Continues to Fight Fire Tax

   Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-O'Neals) continues to fight for rural Californians by advocating for full repeal of the State Responsibility Area Fire Fee (tax).

   Assemblyman Bigelow issued the following statement in regards to his continued effort on behalf of rural property owners:

   "Recently, you may have received ntoices in the mail from the California Board of Equalization informing you that you owe the state a fee to pay for fire prevention and safety services.

   Although proponents say the fee is for fire protection, it really amounts to nothing more than a 2011 state budget gimmick.

   The burden of this fee (tax) falls on property owners in State Responsibility Areas - residents primarily living in rural and unincorporated parts of California.

   That is why repealing the fire tax is one of my top priorities in Sacramento and the reason I am co-authoring Assembly Bill 124 to do just that.

   Our state cannot attempt to balance the books on the backs of some Californians for the same services we all use and rely on.

   Proponents who passed this tax claim that it is only fair to have those who live in high-risk areas pay the higher costs of firefighting.

   However, when an earthquake causes damage in urban areas - all California taxpayers are expected to fund the high costs of repair.

   That same principle should apply across the state.  Fire protection in unicorporated areas preserves the water, air quality, and forests everyone enjoys and from which we all benefit.

   But what makes the tax especially frustrating is that the legislation that created the fire tax is legally suspect and being challenged in court.

   Voters approved Proposition 26 in 2010 to require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to approve new taxes, but the fire tax was passed by a simple-majority vote as a purported budget trailer bill.

   The fire tax is a clear attempt to underine the will of the people.

   I will continue to push for the law's repeal, but until it is, property owners must still pay the fee assessed by the state.

  If you believe, however, that you should not be subject to the fee or you find a discrepancy in your bill, you can file an appeal with the Board of Equalization.

   More information is available at www.firepreventionfee.org.

   I it a priviledge to represent you in the State Assembly."