Property Tax Break

OK, if in the next four the state allows Clay County Commissioners to pick members of the 2028 Tax Commission, you're on it, Finder.

This kind of change in tax burden is a little scary, even for someone like me, who isn't afraid to suggest something new.  The Tax Guys are only talking theory right now and are getting ready to put the words on paper.  Before that happens, you can bet your 2028 appointment the lobbyists are gonna have their shots at it.  By the time they're finished designing it, the proposed tax break may sound like it will benefit regular folks enough to make the usual special interest plunderings palatable.

The theoretical discussion of shifting tax burdens can be a lot of fun, Finder.  My gut tells me, though, that we ought to wait until the proposal's official, because when the tax commission's dust settles it's most likely to settle on me and my friends and neighbors.

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

Mike,

I wholeheartedly concur, too. I could make several 20-year commission commitments and still have time on my hands. I wonder, statutorily, how long the Commission has to meet. With the CRC, it's a year. If this commission holds true, it's hot and heavy for a year, then it's over.

I watched the meeting on WFSU's webcast. It really was interesting to watch and listen to the different factions vying for political territory. It was interesting that the Jeb Bush camp was against it as was a couple of Thrasher's clients. They only garnered 4 votes, though.

Unlike Mike M., I am optimistic about the amendment making it to ballot as packaged. I got the distinct feeling this Commission wouldn't be happy with anything less. They were very proud of the end product.

Karen Lake

I'm an optimist, too.  Always hopeful of the best outcome, never failing to believe that the world is improving and that ultimately good will triumph over evil.

But I've watched enough of government over the years to know that this stage of the process is when more questions are likely to be created as actually answered.  The specific wording used in legislation can often complicate, obscure or distort the proposal's intented purpose, sometimes creating unintended consequences.  This is when the lobbyist really earns his money, hence the "dust settling" comment.  That's why the debate on shifting tax burdens can only be theoretical for awhile longer.

When the actual official Commission proposal is presented, then the debate can become specific.  Until then, my experience tells me to be cautious with my optimism, but ultimately, I'm always hopeful that the voters will determine the best outcome when the proposal hits the voting booth.

Michael S. Mann

Mike M.,

Ah yes, the unintended consequences of public policy. It's one of those, "You don't know what you don't know" kinda things.

I don't mean to hijack Mike H.s' thread, but I have to make this observation...am I the only one who is noticing through this story that House Speaker Marco Rubio was the flagbearer for Florida residents and Governor Crist is taking a back seat this Legislative session?

Rubio is the guy who stood in front of the Commission and said, "If you're waiting for the Florida Legislature to fix this problem, it's not going to happen. You're our last hope."

I remember last year, Gov. Crist set a strong agenda and gave it to the Legislature and said, "I don't care how you do it, get it done." This year, with a vice presidential nomination hanging out there, Gov. Crist doesn't seem to want to rock any boats or upset anybody.

He is conspicuously absent. Does anyone concur?

Karen Lake

Karen;

Your welcome to hijack my thread any time. Just threw this out there to see what people thought about it.

OneMann;

If I'm still alive and kicking in 20 years I'll take you up on that.   I just thought it interesting that this only happens every 20 years. I knew Florida was slow at some things but this seems a bit much to me.

Most politicians can't think beyond tomorrow let alone 20 years from now.

Mike Heemer