Dear Friends and Neighbors:
At this critical and challenging time in our state’s history, I am inspired by the residents of the 78th District who face economic uncertainty with fortitude and courage. Financial security is the goal, and the message that a tax increase will affect the ability to save and plan for the future is loud and clear.
Therefore, I have opposed majority-vote tax increases that would worsen the financial burden of families who are already struggling to make ends meet. Further, I have fought vigorously to minimize destructive cuts to education, public safety, and health and human services. Taxpayers should not have to be asked to pay a greater portion of their hard-earned wages to the state.
And yet, it makes no sense to cut vital clinic-based or in-home health services, sending people to emergency rooms or nursing homes where costs to the state are significantly higher. Nor does it make sense to cut education and job training programs, driving some individuals to state unemployment lines, homeless shelters, or in the worst case, prisons where costs to the state are already out of control.
Many of you have provided your views on the budget crisis by phone, letter, and email, and I’m hearing your views. Your thoughts and suggestions are invaluable as I continue to fight for a compromise that avoids onerous taxes on average workers, while protecting our most critical programs from devastating cuts that will ultimately cost Californians much more than they save. And I will continue to fight to close tax loopholes, which are currently protecting billion-dollar corporations from contributing their fair share of revenue to our state.
These are troubling times, yet California has become the seventh largest economy in the world because of our ingenuity and our strength, and we will weather this storm.
Assemblymember Marty Block listens to budget discussion
Dollars and Sense Workshop
Volunteer CPAs from the CalCPA Institute offered helpful and timely advice at the June 18 Dollars and Sense Workshop sponsored by Assemblymember Block. The workshop, which was held at the Blessed Sacrament Church on El Cajon Boulevard, provided an opportunity for San Diegans with an interest in learning about ways to better save and manage their finances to obtain information on budgeting, investments, and credit card management. The panel included CPAs John Stremlau, Victor Molokwu, and Jill Elsner.
“Financial literacy is vital in today’s tough economy,” said Assemblymember Block. “This workshop provided tips for dealing with personal finances head on.”
Constituents were provided detailed workbooks on financial planning and management. Additional copies are available at the district office in Lemon Grove.
Block Takes Lead to Solve Gridlock at the Mission Gorge Road and I-8 Interchange
Gridlock at the Mission Gorge Road and I-8 interchange has become more than just an irritant for most residents in the Allied Gardens, San Carlos, and Del Cerro neighborhoods, as well as all who work and shop in the Grantville area. Assemblymember Block has initiated a coordinated effort to address the problem by bringing together representatives of CalTrans, SANDAG, and the City of San Diego.
“No one agency can solve the problem on its own. But with everyone on the same page, we can work toward a solution to improve the quality of life for those who live and work around this intersection,” said Assemblymember Block.
Saving Water Around the Block
As California’s record drought continues, water conservation has become a way of life for San Diegans who have incorporated techniques to reduce water usage into their daily routines. Now, more than ever, as the City of San Diego has enacted mandatory water restrictions and all San Diego County water districts encourage conservation, it is important to continue and enhance water saving efforts.
While most techniques to conserve water are obvious – like only washing full loads of laundry, turning off the water faucet when brushing teeth or washing dishes, and taking shorter showers – there are other less known methods provided by the State Department of Water Conservation:
* Install aerators on bathroom and kitchen faucets to reduce the flow to 1 gallon per minute
* Install a shutoff nozzle on your hose
* Use money-saving rebates, which are available in San Diego to purchase water-saving appliances. Go to www.saveourh20.org for rebate details.
For more information on water conservation, call the district office at (619) 462-7878.
Important Community Resources for Your Family
Each issue of Around the Block features an important community resource available to assist San Diegans in these tough economic times.
The Family Health Center located at 7878 Jamacha Road in Spring Valley offers caring and affordable health services for Medi-Cal patients and uninsured and underserved families. Comprehensive services include pediatrics, adult medicine, HIV/AIDS care, family planning, and dental care. Please call (619) 515-2385 for more information, or visit www.fhcsd.com.
News From the Franchise Tax Board
As 78th District residents begin to prepare their 2009 income tax returns, it is significant to know of recent changes in the law that may affect the way in which returns are filed. The Franchise Tax Board offers the following helpful information:
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act – This act allows taxpayers to exclude from income certain cancelled mortgage debt linked to their principal residence. Generally, when a lender forgave or cancelled debt, taxpayers were required to include the debt as taxable income on their returns. Please check www.ftb.ca.gov for additional information on mortgage debt and your state income tax return.
Same-Sex Married Couples – Same-sex married couples married on or after June 16, 2008 and before November 5, 2008 are advised to file as married. Please check www.ftb.ca.gov for updates.
Estimated Tax Payments – Quarterly estimated tax payments are no longer calculated as 25 percent each. The first and second quarter installments increased to 30 percent and the third and fourth quarter installments decreased to 20 percent. Taxpayers with adjusted gross income equal to or greater than $1 million (or $500,000 if married, registered domestic partner, or filing separately) must pay at least 90 percent of their current year tax to avoid an underpayment penalty.
Twenty-four-hour automated toll-free phone service is available 24-hours a day at (800) 338-0505. To speak with a customer service representative, taxpayers can call the general toll-free phone line (800) 852-5711 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays. Additionally the San Diego office of the Franchise Tax Board at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 201, San Diego 92108 provides walk-in service from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
This article contains general information about tax issues and is not intended as tax advice. Please consult with your tax advisor about your specific tax situation.
Iesha Freeman: 2009 Women In Politics Scholarship Winner
Iesha Freeman was nominated by Assemblymember Block as the winner of the 2009 Women in Politics scholarship from the 78th District. Iesha, who begins her senior year at Helix Charter High School in the fall, is a community volunteer with the Broadway Heights Community Council and is active in school programs. High school scholarship winners from around the state spent a week in June at the Capitol to learn about state politics and public polices that affect women.
San Diego Delegation Recognizes Sheriff Bill Kolender
Assemblymember Block joined the San Diego delegation to recognize and express gratitude to Sheriff Bill Kolender for his many years of service, leadership, and dedication to ensuring the public safety of the citizens of San Diego County.
Assemblymember Block Recognizes Dan Muñoz, Jr. as Small Business Leader of the Year
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Assemblymember Block welcomed Dan Muñoz, Jr. to Sacramento on May 26 as the 78th District’s Small Business Leader of the Year. Mr. Muñoz is the editor of La Prensa San Diego, which has served the San Diego community for 33 years. His award-winning bilingual newspaper empowers the Latino community with its coverage of news, culture, and events.
Save the Date! Brush Fire Prevention Workshop - September 12, 2009
Wildfire season is upon us, and communities in the 78th District are at risk. Learn important fire prevention measures you can take to protect your home and neighborhood. Join CAL FIRE and representatives of your local fire district for up-to-date tips on brush maintenance, fire-conscious landscaping, and more. Check the August newsletter for the time and location.
Constituents Share Concerns with Assemblymember Block at 78-Minute Lunches
Small Business 78-Minute Lunch
Assemblymember Block discussed issues related to management and business development with members of the 78th District Small Business Advisory Council. Business owners shared concerns about access to small business loans and their views on a variety of legislation currently before the Assembly. “Small business development is crucial for a stronger local economy,” said Assemblymember Block. “Regular meetings of this council will provide me with good input on their priorities and roadblocks.”
Assemblymember Block Assists Constituents with Unemployment Benefit Problems
Sometimes, constituents encounter problems and concerns with their application for unemployment benefits through the Employment Development Department (EDD). In the event this occurs, 78th District residents are encouraged to call Assemblymember Block’s district office at (619) 462-7878 as soon as possible to request assistance. Most often, the constituent will receive an answer from Assemblymember Block’s office within two days and the problem is resolved.
“Unemployment benefits are a lifeline,” said Assemblymember Block. “Contact my office directly if you have questions and concerns about your benefit check or your application, as my office is here to assist you. These letters show just how frustrating the process can be, but I am glad I was able to resolve their problems.”
June 12, 2009
Dear Mr. Block,
I am writing this letter to thank you and your staff for helping me resolve the problems I’ve encountered trying to collect my Unemployment Benefits. I was laid off in March from my position as (info removed) due to a lack of funding but was denied benefits because in addition to working I was attending school. Even though I had told the interviewer that I was available at any time for interviews of full time work I was denied, probably due to a simple clerical error. Needless to say with the budget cutbacks and the rise in unemployment the EDD office is severely impacted. I was unable to get through the phone lines, when I did I was sent to an office that no longer existed, I had supervisors say they would check into it and get back to me which they never did. What little savings I had was being depleted in the process but I felt grateful at least I had that while many people don’t.
As a last resort, I contacted your office not expecting any real solution but felt it was my duty to at least bring this problem to your attention and to see what recourse if any I had to resolve this. Your staff was extremely respectful and understanding. Not only that, they were effective! I got a call today from EDD saying that they had been informed by my state legislator’s office of the situation and that I should be receiving a check shortly. Please tell your staff that by choosing to do public service they are most certainly making a difference in people’s lives. I didn’t expect to be in this situation and I don’t expect I will be unemployed for very long, it is an embarrassing and stressful situation to say the least. Again, please thank your staff for taking action in this matter.
Sincerely,
(name removed)
Dear Assemblymember Block:
I sent you an email regarding my troubles contacting the EDD. I want to thank your office for giving me a call this morning. The EDD finally contacted me on June 27. I was told that some new paperwork would arrive in a few days. I hope that I will start receiving my checks soon. Thank you again for giving me a call.
Name removed
To file a claim for unemployment benefits, the EDD recommends applying through its website, www.edd.ca.gov. This site also includes answers to commonly asked questions on unemployment insurance. Convenient locations with free internet access can be found by calling the district office.
78th District Satellite Office
In addition to the 78th District office in Lemon Grove, a satellite office is now located at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. District staff will be on hand every Tuesday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, to assist constituents with state agencies and legislative issues.
“Residents of the South County will now have a convenient place to meet with my staff,” said Assemblymember Block. “Please stop by to discuss your thoughts on legislation or to request assistance.”
For directions to the satellite office, please call the district office, (619) 462-7878.
Block Legislation on the Move
Important bills authored by Assemblymember Block continue to move through the legislative process.
AB 24, which calls for a feasibility study for a San Diego State University satellite program and future CSU campus in the City of Chula Vista, has cleared the Assembly by a unanimous vote and now awaits Senate action.
AB 374, which would require public schools to obtain written consent from students and their parents or guardians if the student intends to drop out from high school, and would inform students and parents of the negative consequences of not finishing high school, also is being considered in the Senate.
AB 434 eases the fundraising burdens on local after-school programs. It passed the Senate Education Committee and is headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
AB 667, which increases the opportunities available to children to obtain fluoride varnish treatments, passed the Senate unanimously and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
AB 1317 will require a warning in all advertisements for egg donation to inform patients of potential health risks associated with human egg donation. This bill is headed to a vote by the full Senate.
AJR 12 would urge Congress to close the Cayman Islands corporate tax loophole, which currently allows large corporations to stash money overseas in tax haven shelters to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. This resolution passed the Assembly and is headed to the Senate.
For more information on my legislative package and to check the up-to-date status of bills, please visit my website. To provide your opinions on these or other bills, please contact my district office
