What's this? A great idea from the State Legislature?
Striking out to claim the lead in solving one of the state's highest-profile problems, the Florida House on Wednesday proposed eliminating property taxes for homeowners and imposing revenue caps that would strip billions from local government budgets.
House Republicans want to scratch property taxes on all primary residences. Instead, the state sales tax would be increased by 2.5 cents per dollar- subject to voter approval....
The House plan is divided into several parts. The first calls for the Legislature to vote this spring to limit property tax collections by local governments, effectively imposing a cap on government spending.
A baseline would be established by rolling back property taxes to 2000-2001 levels, before the real estate market took off, and adjusting by a formula on population growth and inflation. Any new revenue collected after that would be limited by the same formula. A county commission or city council could go above the cap, but only by unanimous vote....
Wow. This is such a great idea no one I've talked to about it this morning thinks it has a snowball's chance in hell. But you never know... stranger things have happened and we have a shiny new governor eager to earn his spurs. Of course, someone's ox is going to be gored...
Cities and counties, however, say a cap could have a crippling effect, triggering cuts in essential services and public projects.
"Most of our budget goes to police, fire and parks and recreation," said Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. "We have to be careful that across-the-board, statewide cuts do not affect our delivery of basic services."
So, Mayor Iorio is saying that, way back in the dark ages of 2001, the City of Tampa was so cash-strapped it couldn't provide police, fire, and parks? Sorry, madame mayor, but that's hooey. What's happened is y'all government types took all the incredible windfall money and blew it. As usual. Why shouldn't you be able to get the job done with a budget adjusted to inflation and population?
If this passes, and I have a flutter in my gut telling me it will, then lo and behold the Cities and Counties will find a way to make ends meet after all.
Man, this could be so great. (emphasis added)
If you live in Florida, let your Representative, Senator, and Governor know what you think about these ideas. I just did.
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