CHECK OFF FOR CHILDREN

Sep 19, 2002
Contact: 
Catherine Hazelton - (626) 577-9944

GOVERNOR SIGNS LIU BILL ALLOWING TAX FORM DONATIONS TO CHILDREN’S FUND

Sacramento – Governor Gray Davis signed into law this week a measure by Assemblymember Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge) to support the State Children’s Trust Fund through optional taxpayer contributions. The bill, AB 2036, authorizes a check off box on California state tax forms, allowing filers to donate a specific dollar amount to child abuse prevention programs.

“In a year when resources and funding are scarce, this creative approach to fighting child abuse seemed appropriate,” Liu said. “No state dollars will be spent, but hundreds of children potentially may be saved from abuse and neglect.”

In previous years, tax filers have had the option of donating to the Children’s Trust Fund. That option had been authorized by law through the year 2001, but was no longer available to taxpayers. Last year the Children’s Trust Fund received $614,000 in contributions, comprising 60% of all contributions to the fund. Without Liu’s legislation, the check off box would no longer have been available on tax forms and the Children’s Trust Fund would have lost the majority of its revenues.

The fund supports child abuse prevention programs and provides education to enhance the well being of children. Some of these programs are: the “Never Shake a Baby,” public education campaign; the Answers Benefiting Children Home Visiting Program; the California Alliance for Prevention (an AmeriCorps program); and local Family Resource Service Centers.

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