Jerome E. Horton Named Vice Chair of the Board of Equalization

The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) today voted unanimously to name Jerome E. Horton as Vice Chair of the publicly elected tax board. He will also serve as the Board´s Legislative Committee Chair.

Horton was sworn in October 5 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as 4th District Member of the Board of Equalization representing more than 8.5 million residents in Los Angeles County. Horton is the first African American to serve on the BOE since its inception in 1879. He is also the third African American constitutional officer in California´s history.

The Vice Chair position was decided today as the first order of business at the meeting of the California State Board of Equalization. The five-member Board includes Chairwoman Betty T. Yee (First District), Vice Chair Jerome E. Horton (Fourth District), Member Bill Leonard (Second District), Member Michelle Steel (Third District) and California State Controller John Chiang.

Horton was confirmed by the Assembly and the Senate on September 10. Horton was appointed by Schwarzenegger in July, following Board Member Judy Chu´s election to Congress. Horton will hold office for the balance of the term that expires in January 2011.

Horton has owned and operated Horton & Associates, a government consulting agency since 2007. Horton served in the State Assembly from 2000 to 2006, representing the 51st Assembly District. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Horton served on the Inglewood City Council from 1996 to 2000. Previously, Horton worked for the BOE, from 1979 to 2000, as a staff member where he served as a business tax auditor and as legislative deputy, specializing in business tax law, auditing and legislative policies.

The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board. The BOE collects more than $53 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services. It hears business tax appeals, acts as the appellate body for franchise and personal income tax appeals, and serves a significant role in the assessment and administration of property taxes. For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.taxes.ca.gov.