In California, the Board of Equalization (BOE) is considering a new proposal to prevent the taxation of the prescription drug Botox® Cosmetic. The California Chapter of Citizens Against Unfair Health Care Taxes supports this proposal because it would stop bureaucrats from beginning a slippery slope of new health care taxes.

Citizens Against Unfair Health Care Taxes also supports the proposal for several reasons:

• First, health care costs in California are already sky high, and Californians cannot afford to pay additional taxes on health care products or services.
• Second, further taxes on Californians are not the way to fix the revenue problems that the state government has created.
• Third, taxing prescription drugs would set a dangerous precedent. The Coalition is concerned that if the BOE fails to stop the tax on a prescription drug, it would leave the door open for the state to tax other medically necessary procedures and health care services.

About the California Coalition

Several organizations have come together to fight this unfair health care tax in California. The California Chapter of Citizens Against Unfair Health Care Taxes is made up of a wide variety of constituencies from every corner of the state. From a disease awareness group to consumer and senior advocacy organizations, opposition to the tax is strong.

State coalition members include California Consumers United, California Senior Connect, Consumer Alliance for a Strong Economy, National Taxpayer Limitation Committee, the Orange County Taxpayers Association, TMJ Society and Waste Watchers Inc.

Fight Back: Say "NO" to Higher Health Care Costs in California

Join other Californians in a campaign to stop this unfair tax by writing or calling your BOE member today. Tell them to reject the proposed tax on a prescription drug, and shut the door on future health care taxes before they begin.

BOE Member Contact Information:

Betty T. Yee
Acting Board Member, District 1
Board of Equalization
450 N Street, MIC:71
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: 916-445-4081
Fax: 916-324-2087
Board.MemberD1@boe.ca.gov

Bill Leonard
Board of Equalization, District 2
400 Capitol Mall
Suite 2340
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: 916-445-2181
Fax: 916-327-4003
Bill.Leonard@boe.ca.gov

Claude Parrish, Vice-Chairman
Board of Equalization, District 3
100 W. Broadway, Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tel: 562-983-7855
Fax: 562-983-1858

John Chiang
Chairman, Board of Equalization, District 4
660 South Figueroa St. Suite 2050
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Tel: 213-239-8506
Fax: 213-239-8753
john.chiang@boe.ca.gov

Steve Westly
California State Controller & Board of Equalization Member
P.O. Box 942850
Sacramento, CA 94250-5872
Tel: 916-445-2636
Fax: 916-322-4404
steve@sco.ca.gov

When writing to your BOE member, please copy Jeff McGuire, who serves as the repository of records for this item:

Jeff McGuire
Tax Policy Division
Board of Equalization
450 N Street MIC:92
Sacramento, CA 94279-0092
Fax: 916-322-4530
Jeffrey.McGuire@boe.ca.gov

For more information on the BOE, visit http://www.boe.ca.gov/.