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October 15, 2007
For More Information, Contact:
Paige Schoknecht at (650) 688-6384
SACRAMENTO – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he has signed SB 898, a bill by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) to continue two voluntary tax check-off programs, the State Children’s Trust Fund for the Prevention of Child Abuse and the Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Program.
“Folks around the state want to do more to protect our kids and our environment,” said Simitian. “Over the years, these two check-off programs have generated millions of dollars in support. Now that SB 898 has been signed, millions more will be available; and all without the imposition of additional taxes or fees.”
The State Children’s Trust Fund provides an additional source of funding for innovative child abuse and neglect prevention and intervention programs. Last year, the State Children’s Trust Fund received $562,286 in contributions through the voluntary contribution fund (VCF) tax check-off program. The Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Program, which supports programs for endangered and rare animals and native plant species and programs for those species which may be candidates for determination as endangered or rare, received $555,062 in contributions last year.
SB 898 will allow these two VCFs to remain on California’s personal income tax return until 2013. Each of these funds first appeared on the personal income tax return in 1983, however, without this legislation, they would have expired next year.
Taxpayers who choose to contribute to these funds do so from their own funds, not from their tax liability. “It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s voluntary,” said Simitian. “And it’s been working for years. I just couldn’t imagine letting these programs expire.”
For more information on SB 898, visit www.senate.ca.gov.