Coachella Today

Assemblymember Greg Wallis, representing Bermuda Dunes, has introduced a new bill in California's legislature aimed at reducing the personal income tax by 1% across all brackets. The proposed legislation, AB 1219, is being touted as the largest middle-class tax cut in the state's history.

In a statement, Assemblymember Wallis addressed the financial struggles faced by many Californians. "Californians are struggling with the rising cost of living," he said. "Many families are making tough financial decisions every day, and some are even leaving the state because they can’t afford to stay."

Wallis emphasized that AB 1219 is designed to provide relief by allowing residents to retain more of their earnings. He explained that this measure would enable families to support themselves better and invest in their futures while bolstering community strength.

California is known for its high tax rates, and recent reports from the Legislative Analyst’s Office highlight an increase in residents leaving the state. In 2022 alone, about 300,000 people moved out of California. The proposed tax cut aims to alleviate some of these pressures on families and small businesses.

The bill proposes immediate relief without affecting additional taxes levied on high-income earners for mental health funding. Wallis noted the challenges faced by households: "California families don’t have reserves to fall back on—they have bills to pay and tough choices to make." He believes that AB 1219 will ease some of these burdens.