Sen. Dodd: Tax Help + Black History Month + Help for Veterans
A Message from Senator Bill Dodd
Dear Neighbor,
Celebrating the history and achievements of African Americans is the focus in February as we observe Black History Month. The struggle for civil rights continues so we also recognize what still needs to be done.
In case you missed it, watch a recording of my most recent virtual town hall when I spoke with U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler and Congressman John Garamendi.
As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.
In this Issue:
Sincerely,
Senator Bill Dodd, District 3
Free Tax Help/Earned Income Tax Credit
Tax Day, April 18, is fast approaching. You may qualify for tax credits or free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which is supported by the Franchise Tax Board.
You may qualify for tax credits. California’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program will benefit millions of low income working families and can result in thousands of dollars for qualifying families. Each year millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed, so see if you’re eligible.
For a list of upcoming workshops, please click here. I urge you to call the contact numbers listed to verify your eligibility, make appointments, and to learn what documentation may be required.
We celebrate Black History Month amid a series of firsts – our country has elected its first African American vice president and we now have the first Black secretary of defense. In California, the first African American secretary of state recently took office. More and more, the diversity of our nation is reflected in our leadership.
I am pleased to see this, just as I was proud five years ago to join my colleagues in the Legislative Black Caucus to vote for Senate Resolution 70, recognizing February as Black History Month.
The first observances go back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson established a one-week reflection on African American history. Fifty years later, the United States adopted it as a month long event.
Today, Black History Month is observed all over America, as schools, churches and communities honor the countless contributions that African Americans have made to our society.
We’ve made much progress in raising awareness of the issue of equity and discrimination but there is still so much work to do.
I encourage you to join me in reflecting on the immense contributions African Americans have made to our nation and to dedicate ourselves to continuing the fight for civil rights, equal opportunity and prosperity that so many African Americans have fought for over the centuries. You can learn more about African American history here.
Work for Warriors Helps Employers and Veterans
California’s Work for Warriors program matches employers with highly trained veterans who are ready to leave the military for civilian life. For more on how we can help serve those who have served us or how veterans can connect with job resources, click here.
Here are some of the latest news stories that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.
- New Senate leader announces leadership team, committee membership for 2024
- Column: ‘My life cannot be ruined by this scammer.’ Two victims lost everything and sued their banks
- Bill Dodd introduces utilities infrastructure bill
- Basketball coach Tom Bonfigli honored for legendary career
- Senate OKs Dodd’s Ukraine sister-state measure
- Bill introduced to back Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument expansion
- Viewpoints: Current California law doesn’t allow us to address climate-caused insurance crisis