Don't Forget the Senior Exemptions

July 18, 2009

Dear Editor:

Recent articles in the local press announcing the launch for a possible emergency Parcel TAX election next June, contained quotes from BOE President Ralph Mechur, Superintendent Tim Cuneo, CEPS Chair Rebecca Kennerly, and political consultant Denny Zane among others.

By not mentioning the July 31 deadline for filing Measure R Senior Exemption forms, they all missed another opportunity to deliver on their past promise for more transparency. Kudos to SMC Trustee Louise Jaffe for including a reminder in her June 30 Community News.

Since any new Parcel Tax will require a positive turnout from the Santa Monica and Malibu seniors, community leaders along with the press could do a much better job of communicating these filing deadlines; thus giving seniors the courtesy to decide in a timely manner whether or not to use their exemption.

In the spirit of keeping the community informed, please print the April 23, 2009 SMMUSD Press Release below:

Measure R General Information and Senior Exemptions

In accordance with the Senior Exemption provision of the Measure R Parcel Tax, the 2009-10 forms will be mailed in May and are due to be returned/postmarked by July 31, 2009.

To qualify for the Measure R Senior Exemption in 2009-10, senior citizens must be 65 years old by June 30th and must own and occupy their properties as their primary residences.

Renewal Forms: Those senior citizens who have previously received the Senior Exemption will be sent a renewal from in May 2009. This form must be completed, signed and returned/postmarked by July 31, 2009. If you do not receive a form by mid-June, please call Ms. Dawn Smithfield at (310) 450-8338, ext. 269.

First-time applicants who qualify may call to be put on the application mailing list or you may print out an application from the District's website: www.smmusd.org/Senior Exemption/Application for Senior Exemption. This application must be completed, signed and returned/postmarked, along with two required proofs of age and property ownership, by July 31, 2009.

The Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District thanks the Santa Monica and Malibu communities for their continued support of the Measure R Parcel Tax.

Submitted by Jim Jaffe
Santa Monica