Latest news with #AmyTong
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CA Green Technology Initiative launches, bridging digital divide
( — The California Green Technology Initiative officially launched Monday morning in West Sacramento. The program looks to reduce e-waste and provides technology to Californians in need. The California Emerging Technology Fund kicked off the initiative at West Sacramento City Hall. The initiative will collect unwanted technology devices, refurbish them, and get them into the hands of residents who need them most. 'In the world of a digital era, and especially knowing that so many services these days are expected to be delivered digitally, we in the State of California felt that level of responsibility to make sure that we're doing everything that we could,' said Amy Tong, Senior Counselor to Governor Gavin Newsom. The goal of the California Green Technology Initiative is to reduce e-waste by repurposing old tech and distributing refurbished devices. 'The hope and the vision has been we're going to get everybody online in California. We have performance metrics where our goal in the next five years to get 99% of all Californians online,' said Sunne McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund. 'It's pretty significant,' said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. Mayor Guerrero says many local families lack reliable, affordable internet access. 'We just have a lot of children who don't have access to the internet, including their families for work, and our elderly for those that need to get access to their medical services,' she said. 'What we continue to need to do is to establish affordable internet service here in West Sacramento.' The initiative does just that, working with local and state non-profits to provide free or low-cost devices to low-income households. McPeak says the program is targeting California's digital divide. 'Average in california, 91% of all households are online. For low income households, it's 84% of all households. So that gap between the average and any other segment of our population is called a divide,' she said. That gap is caused by barriers like poverty, language, and age. The initiative addresses those challenges not just through tech devices but also with digital literacy classes and support services. Technology is really only a tool. What gives it power is when people know how to use it. Sunne McPeak, President and CEO of California Emerging Technology Fund It's also a big win for the environment by reducing e-waste, while opening doors for residents across the state. 'They can save time, they can save money, the kids can do their homework at home. We can all connect to our doctor online if we want to. We can apply for a job, get a better job. That is our goal,' McPeak said. Here in Sacramento, Computers 4 Kids is the regional partner that's refurbishing devices and offering digital literacy classes. For more information on how to take advantage of this program, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Los Angeles Times
23-03-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
How the California Tax Relief Plan Affects L.A. Businesses and Residents, Post-Wildfire Devastation
After the devastating wildfires brutalized parts of Los Angeles earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) had automatically extended the tax filing deadline for three months for taxpayers within Los Angeles County. This came on the heels of the state also announcing that taxpayers in Los Angeles County would be granted a postponement to October 15, 2025, to file California tax returns on 2024 income and make any tax payments that would have been due January 7, 2025, through October 15, 2025. 'California is taking greater action to continue supporting businesses that have been devastated by the Southern California wildfires,' the Governor announced. 'We are strong because of the diversity of our businesses, and we stand by them – providing relief to aid them through this difficult time.' CDTFA will also continue to offer relief and extensions to those impacted beyond Los Angeles County upon request. In addition to extra time to file, the state can provide relief from interest and penalties and create flexible payment plans for businesses. 'We have the operational building blocks in place to make sure the government is there for all Californians. We care deeply about everyone affected, and we're making sure that our business foundation remains strong and vibrant,' said Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong. 'The loss resulting from these fires is devastating for business owners who have invested so much and worked so hard to succeed. Beyond the automatic extension, we encourage taxpayers who need help with any CDTFA program to reach out to us. Our team members are here to help taxpayers navigate their way to recovery,' said CDTFA Director Nick Maduros. CDTFA's disaster relief includes: • Extensions to file returns: CDTFA returns and payments due on or before January 31, 2025, have automatically been extended to April for Los Angeles County taxpayers whose last return was for less than $1 million in tax. This includes sales and use tax, as well as most other programs administered by CDTFA.• Additional relief from interest and penalties: Impacted business owners not subject to the automatic extension or who require additional relief are encouraged to contact CDTFA for assistance.• Copies of CDTFA tax records: Taxpayers who need to obtain copies of CDTFA tax records can receive replacements free of charge. • Help with updating account information: This could include changing an address, opening or closing a business location or obtaining a copy of a seller's permit or CDTFA-issued license. The automatic extensions for sales and use tax returns and payments to April 30, 2025, are eligible to those taxpayers who owed less than $1 million in sales and use tax on their 2024 third quarter returns. Annual licensing fees under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act and returns due under the International Fuel Tax Agreement are not extended.
