Assemblyman Ted Gaines garners “A” from Taxpayers Association

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, today announced that he has received an “A” grade for the third year in a row from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association for the 2009 legislative season.

‘As a small business owner, I know the burdens taxpayers face every day and I am proud to stand strong in their defense,’ Gaines said. ‘The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has a long record of advocating for taxpayers and I am honored to stand with them in the fight against higher taxes and burdensome regulations.’

Gaines was one of only 29 legislators out of 120 to receive the top score.

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association’s annual legislative report card is designed to help Californians determine how state legislators act on major tax and fiscal legislation, and holds elected officials accountable for anti-taxpayer votes.

For the 2009 legislative season, 35 bills were used to evaluate and grade voting records. Most bills deal with tax increases, or those that threaten taxpayer protections.

‘California is facing an astounding $20 billion deficit next year,’ Gaines said. ‘I remain committed to working tirelessly to make sure that Sacramento’s years of irresponsible spending isn’t thrown on the backs of hard-working taxpayers anymore. And I will continue to vote no on any tax increases.’

The taxpayers association, founded by Proposition 13 architect and taxpayer advocate Howard Jarvis, is the most respected and influential tax-fighting organization in California.

Assemblyman Ted Gaines represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes portions of Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento and Alpine Counties.