Government Spending Should Never Grow Faster Than Family Income
Feb 17, 2009
by Bill CotterellTALLAHASSEE -- Saying he's more concerned about homeowners' ability to pay than local governments' screaming over budget cuts, Gov. Charlie Crist said today he'll push for more tax relief in the 2009 legislative session.
The governor's staff is reported to be working on four proposals that would cut residential and commercial property taxes. One of the biggest items is a spending-cap proposal that would limit growth in local governmental budgets to the rate of inflation unless voters specifically authorize a higher tax levy to meet local needs.
John Wayne Smith, legislative director for the Florida Association of Counties, said the counties will lobby against that plan. He said the consumer-price index isn't a reliable indicator of citizens' ability to pay -- nor a gauge of local government needs.
But state Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, who's been pushing the idea for a long time, said this year may be the time to do it. Haridopolos said it's not fair for local governments to raise taxes when local citizens are hurting.
Another proposal would forbid increases in property taxes when the value of a home is declining. Homestead exemptions for first-time buyers and limits on assessments for commercial properties are also in the mix.
Asked about his budget plans this morning, Crist said he wants to continue downward pressure on property taxes. The governor is expected to unveil his 2009-10 budget plans later this week.
Reprinted from the Ft. Myers News-Press
Notes from Senator Mike
07/07/2010 - Read Sen. Haridopolos’ Letter to US Sen. Bill NelsonWith record unemployment, Floridians have had their problems compounded by the coming bill for health care “reform,” the absence of support for a space program that employs thousands, and the federal government’s slow response to the economic impacts of the oil spill. Florida deserves better.
