This is the crux of the issue. And it pushes us all further into a situation where whatever party is in power consolidates even more power, forcing everyone to live by a set of rules and values they might not agree with. It allows the state to "punish" areas by withholding funds if they don't go along with a mandate. And it will create even more income inequality, as wealthier areas which can donate money to the powers that be will get the lion's share of the communal pot.
Great article that captures the real issue. You know it can't be a good thing for the residents of Florida when a state-sponsored website explains their version of the pros and cons. DeSantis is leaving and wants to believe all Floridians will remember their savior who removed property taxes. He's not going to be here to deal with the backlash. I'm regularly responding to people on Nextdoor who don't understand what their property taxes are used for. If this is passed and it doesn't work, what will Floridians do then? Are each of us going to do our own law enforcement, firefighting, and hauling our trash to the dump?
Many commenters don't appear to "get" the point of this piece; Mrs. Dogood does though, for one...
Localities would become dependent on central govt./power. And DeSantis has already gutted innumerable regulatory and permitting powers previously held by local authorities (soon "authorities" no more at this rate). Do we need someone to draw us a picture?
Also: higher sales and gas taxes would NOT insure "everyone pays their fair share," as another commenter says. Seriously? Any idea what a significant percentage of income those are for middle-income wage earners and lower, compared to what they represent for wealthier Floridians?
Speaking of Taxes. Today Todd Blanche, appears to have satisfied two Republican senators, by issuing an unsigned memo, indicating that Trump, his sons and his organization will be immune from any past IRS audits and penalties. That means Trump his sons and organization can avoid penalties on past tax returns ,of potentially 100 million dollars. This is outlandish corruption of historic proportions. It will result in enormous resentment of ordinary tax payers, who will resort to cheating on their own returns, as well as the widespread corruption of our Government.
In my mind property tax is a drop in the bucket. Home, hurricane, flood, car insurance are where the big money is going. I’d like to see the legislature take on the insurance companies!
Being the pessimist I am, I’d like to know how much insurance companies are donating to the our legislators campaign war chest.
You are spot on. Over the last several years, the GOP led legislature has eroded home rule, whether for planning, transportation, or housing. With ~50% (or more) either, developers, land development attorneys, or financed bigly by developers, Floridians got what they voted for. Would love a future article to expand on the projections for state level deficit. Had heard about that, but not surprised.
A great column, J.C. So reasoned and well thought out.
I feel almost embarrassed to say that the reason I oppose the property tax bill is because I simply do not like or trust DeSantis. He abandoned me during Covid when he decided, for strictly political reasons, to not follow the science and instead opened up the state so that business could flourish. If business did not flourish, then the economy would suffer, and a bad economy would translate into votes against him and his fellow non-believers. Non-believers, of course, is a misnomer. They knew down deep Covid was a threat and that a reasonable shutdown would save lives. But votes were more important than lives, so they chose to deceive, to deliberately lie to us to promote and prolong their power. Governor Abbot of Texas did the same, and I have read independent, objective reports that estimated refusals by DeSantis and Abbot to impose reasonable shut downs cost the two states an estimated 30,000 additional Covid deaths. DeSantis lied then. Why would he do something good for me now? What's in it for him?
This is an extension of what the GOP is doing nationally. They want to eliminate the voice of the American people. They want to take control from elected local governments and give the power to the state government. A democratic republic is like a pyramid. The people are on the bottom and power ascends the pyramid from city, to county, to state to federal. Whether GOP or Dem, this is yet another attempt to subvert the will of the people. Why elect politicians who do not believe that you and your neighbors should have a say in how your community is run?
So true, Robyn E, I think it is so important to recognize that 'This is an extension of what the GOP is doing nationally', especially regarding public schools which Florida is a key player in currently dismantling... right in front of our eyes, everyday. But voters can truly change all that at BOTH the upcoming Primary and General elections.
Policy Matters: Property Tax Ballot Question starts in 1 hour....there are a few of these important sessions to get informed and give your input on our property taxes.
What was not mentioned is this transfer of power also affects schools, Medicare and medicaid decisions, water quality, health departments and whats under their umbrella of services, mental health services, domestic violence, sexual abuse services, pedophilia task forces and other child protection services. Other things to consider are large numbers of disease cases we are seeing with Polio, Measles, Chicken Pox as well as the food born diseases such as e coli, lysteria, infant botulism, salomenella, and protozoal cyclospora food contamination.
Look how things are being handled from the top down to local municipalities. The trash always follows the path of least resistant.
I do understand this is a real problem and yet property taxes need to be lowered or maybe some relief for people over 70 you’ve been paying for 30 or 40 years
The property taxes go up every year, but my money doesn’t go up every year. I’m still working and my salary does not go up every year to account for inflation.
I am CONVINCED DeSantis hates local government. He’s shown utter disdain to our state constitutional right of Home Rule. That, and/or he’s a little authoritarian tyrant wannabe. I swear he is more corrupt than Rick Scott.
Every intesting. One minor comment -- Friedman's statement that money "must come from somewhere" applies to state and local governments, which are currency users, but not to the federal government, which is a currency issuer. So yes, local spending must come from taxpayers (unless it comes from a federeal grant). But the Friedman/Thatcher/Reagan idea that there is no (federal) money except taxpayer money has justified the draconian cuts in federal spending here and in the UK for forty years.
This is the crux of the issue. And it pushes us all further into a situation where whatever party is in power consolidates even more power, forcing everyone to live by a set of rules and values they might not agree with. It allows the state to "punish" areas by withholding funds if they don't go along with a mandate. And it will create even more income inequality, as wealthier areas which can donate money to the powers that be will get the lion's share of the communal pot.
Great article that captures the real issue. You know it can't be a good thing for the residents of Florida when a state-sponsored website explains their version of the pros and cons. DeSantis is leaving and wants to believe all Floridians will remember their savior who removed property taxes. He's not going to be here to deal with the backlash. I'm regularly responding to people on Nextdoor who don't understand what their property taxes are used for. If this is passed and it doesn't work, what will Floridians do then? Are each of us going to do our own law enforcement, firefighting, and hauling our trash to the dump?
Many commenters don't appear to "get" the point of this piece; Mrs. Dogood does though, for one...
Localities would become dependent on central govt./power. And DeSantis has already gutted innumerable regulatory and permitting powers previously held by local authorities (soon "authorities" no more at this rate). Do we need someone to draw us a picture?
Also: higher sales and gas taxes would NOT insure "everyone pays their fair share," as another commenter says. Seriously? Any idea what a significant percentage of income those are for middle-income wage earners and lower, compared to what they represent for wealthier Floridians?
Speaking of Taxes. Today Todd Blanche, appears to have satisfied two Republican senators, by issuing an unsigned memo, indicating that Trump, his sons and his organization will be immune from any past IRS audits and penalties. That means Trump his sons and organization can avoid penalties on past tax returns ,of potentially 100 million dollars. This is outlandish corruption of historic proportions. It will result in enormous resentment of ordinary tax payers, who will resort to cheating on their own returns, as well as the widespread corruption of our Government.
George Terranova md
In my mind property tax is a drop in the bucket. Home, hurricane, flood, car insurance are where the big money is going. I’d like to see the legislature take on the insurance companies!
Being the pessimist I am, I’d like to know how much insurance companies are donating to the our legislators campaign war chest.
I can tell you the answer to that, MILLIONS. FACT
Like your comment
I was in the insurance industry caused a lot of controversy because use of self insurance and group programs proved I was right
Insurance powerful industry as is banking and some financial services
There are many feeding off information which is subject
There are solutions but requires turning system upside down
I did this on large accounts but taking it to the streets yes can be done more efficiently and cost effective
I am early 60’s and don’t know I would take on administration, capital etc
Typical I saved my clients 20%-60% on cost
I tell my clients how much making and all solutions cost and risk and premium difference
But I worked primarily for my clients not insurance companies
If they don’t like risk or price competitive move to next which why independent agents are preferred (in my opinion)
Vs ie State Farm, AllState, Farmers etc
Hope this useful if not just delete
R
Yes cut out some middle men
Foremost business man that has care and wants to help in significant cost issue
Happy provide free advice
AI will change segment
Thanks for recognizing issues
You are spot on. Over the last several years, the GOP led legislature has eroded home rule, whether for planning, transportation, or housing. With ~50% (or more) either, developers, land development attorneys, or financed bigly by developers, Floridians got what they voted for. Would love a future article to expand on the projections for state level deficit. Had heard about that, but not surprised.
A great column, J.C. So reasoned and well thought out.
I feel almost embarrassed to say that the reason I oppose the property tax bill is because I simply do not like or trust DeSantis. He abandoned me during Covid when he decided, for strictly political reasons, to not follow the science and instead opened up the state so that business could flourish. If business did not flourish, then the economy would suffer, and a bad economy would translate into votes against him and his fellow non-believers. Non-believers, of course, is a misnomer. They knew down deep Covid was a threat and that a reasonable shutdown would save lives. But votes were more important than lives, so they chose to deceive, to deliberately lie to us to promote and prolong their power. Governor Abbot of Texas did the same, and I have read independent, objective reports that estimated refusals by DeSantis and Abbot to impose reasonable shut downs cost the two states an estimated 30,000 additional Covid deaths. DeSantis lied then. Why would he do something good for me now? What's in it for him?
This is an extension of what the GOP is doing nationally. They want to eliminate the voice of the American people. They want to take control from elected local governments and give the power to the state government. A democratic republic is like a pyramid. The people are on the bottom and power ascends the pyramid from city, to county, to state to federal. Whether GOP or Dem, this is yet another attempt to subvert the will of the people. Why elect politicians who do not believe that you and your neighbors should have a say in how your community is run?
So true, Robyn E, I think it is so important to recognize that 'This is an extension of what the GOP is doing nationally', especially regarding public schools which Florida is a key player in currently dismantling... right in front of our eyes, everyday. But voters can truly change all that at BOTH the upcoming Primary and General elections.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_56Cuvu_zQ_-3LKBhz7q-qA#/registration
Policy Matters: Property Tax Ballot Question starts in 1 hour....there are a few of these important sessions to get informed and give your input on our property taxes.
Spot on facts.
What was not mentioned is this transfer of power also affects schools, Medicare and medicaid decisions, water quality, health departments and whats under their umbrella of services, mental health services, domestic violence, sexual abuse services, pedophilia task forces and other child protection services. Other things to consider are large numbers of disease cases we are seeing with Polio, Measles, Chicken Pox as well as the food born diseases such as e coli, lysteria, infant botulism, salomenella, and protozoal cyclospora food contamination.
Look how things are being handled from the top down to local municipalities. The trash always follows the path of least resistant.
Appreciate the great explanation of…. What’s involved in this property tax
Proposal. 👍⛱️
I do understand this is a real problem and yet property taxes need to be lowered or maybe some relief for people over 70 you’ve been paying for 30 or 40 years
The property taxes go up every year, but my money doesn’t go up every year. I’m still working and my salary does not go up every year to account for inflation.
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I am CONVINCED DeSantis hates local government. He’s shown utter disdain to our state constitutional right of Home Rule. That, and/or he’s a little authoritarian tyrant wannabe. I swear he is more corrupt than Rick Scott.
Excellent point! If truth be told... right?
Every intesting. One minor comment -- Friedman's statement that money "must come from somewhere" applies to state and local governments, which are currency users, but not to the federal government, which is a currency issuer. So yes, local spending must come from taxpayers (unless it comes from a federeal grant). But the Friedman/Thatcher/Reagan idea that there is no (federal) money except taxpayer money has justified the draconian cuts in federal spending here and in the UK for forty years.
Thanks. Great reporting!