Saturday, Oct. 04, 2008

Letter: Governor disappoints

Editor: I am disappointed that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed funds for the Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program when he signed the budget. The program provides a once-a-year payment to eligible homeowners and renters.

Homeowners may receive payment up to 139 percent of the property tax on the first $34,000 of the value of the home (maximum payment of $472.60 for 2007). Renters may receive maximum payment of $347.50 for 2007.

To be eligible for payments, homeowners and renters must be aged 62 years or older (if under 62, be either blind or disabled), have a total household income of $44,096 or less in 2007, be a U.S. citizen or a designated alien and be a California resident.

Each year in July, volunteers complete claim forms for eligible claimants at the Merced Senior Center in Merced.

As a volunteer, I have completed claim forms for people who are blind, for people using crutches, for people in wheelchairs, for people with only Social Security income, and for many people with income much less than $44,096.

I personally see that the program is beneficial and helpful to people who are physically challenged and for others with low income. I think that the governor should not burden these people with California's enormous economic problems.

I suggest that concerned individuals call, write or visit Assembly member Kathleen Galgiani and state Sen. Jeff Denham to let them know that we are unhappy with the governor's ill-considered decision.

ORRIE TAYLOR

Merced