AB 247 (Wagner) Personal Income Tax: Voluntary Contribution: California Fund for Senior Citizens (Fact Sheet)
AB 247 – California Fund for Seniors – Fact Sheet
ISSUE
Without action, taxpayers may no longer elect to make voluntary contributions to the California Fund for Senior Citizens. As of January 1, 2015, the California Fund for Senior Citizens would no longer be listed on personal income tax returns.
WHAT IS THE CALIFORNIA FUND FOR SENIOR CITIZENS?
The California Fund for Senior Citizens funds vital programs and legislation concerning our seniors. The California Fund for Senior Citizens is the primary source of funds for the California Senior Legislature (“CSL”). The CSL prioritizes and submits both state and federal legislative proposals to become bills.
In addition, the California Fund for Senior Citizens funds Adult Day Health Care Centers, nutrition centers, respite care, long-term care, senior citizen abuse prevention programs, and Alzheimer day care programs.
WHAT AB 247 DOES
AB 247 extends the repeal date from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2020 for taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the California Fund for Senior Citizens. Taxpayers may contribute to one or more of the listed voluntary contribution funds by checking a box on their state income tax return. Currently, the tax return allows a taxpayer to designate the contributions to specified funds, including California seniors.
SUPPORT
Alzheimer’s Association; California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform; California Assisted Living Association; California Association for Health Services at Home; California Senior Legislature; Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging; County Welfare Directors Association of California; Older Women’s League of California. Opposed by Department of Finance.
HISTORY
The California Fund for Senior Citizens has raised the following amounts in the past years:
- 2009, $330,646
- 2010, $296,144
- 2011, $308,763
- 2012, $272,742
The legislature has long recognized the importance of the California Fund for Senior Citizens. Several past bills have pushed back the repeal date.
OUTCOME
Extending the appeal date would secure vital funding and continued support for senior legislation and programs.