Learn More About
Through an active media relations program, the Florida Association of Counties strives to build and maintain strong relationships with members of the media. In the world of county government, important issues can arise and transform rapidly. As such, a strong communication network between the association and the media helps to ensure fair and informed coverage of county-related issues.
Media inquiries may be directed to Communications Director Cragin Mosteller at (850) 922-4300 or cmosteller@fl-counties.com. County officials are also encouraged to send their news and updates to the association.
After hours media inquiries should be directed to Cragin Mosteller at (850) 294-9307.
Local Governments Expose Dangers of Tax Cap Plan
TABOR would erode home rule and harm representative democracy
April 3, 2008
Contact: Cragin Mosteller
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission (TBRC) is considering putting a tax cap on the ballot that would shake up our very form of government, leaders of the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League of Cities and other groups explained at a press conference Thursday.
The potential constitutional amendment, known as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights or TABOR, would require the state to cap themselves and any growth in local government revenue to growth in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and require voter approval of any new taxes.
The proposal, put forth just Tuesday and to be voted on Friday by the TBRC, directs the state legislature to decide the caps and TABOR requirements, therefore putting in the constitution the authority of the state to determine the financial parameters of themselves and local governments. It would virtually abolish the ability of local officials to make decisions on the local level.
“TABOR might seem like a dream come true – until you realize the consequences,” said Christopher Holley, Executive Director of the Florida Association of Counties. “In reality, it’s a nightmare that shuts down growth and puts the state legislature in charge of policing themselves and the economic policy of all local governments.”
The counties, cities and school boards also expressed concerns that the possible tax cap would amplify the impact of unfunded mandates passed down from Tallahassee.
"We think the citizen of a municipality ought to have the power to determine what their needs and services are and not have them mandated by Tallahassee, " said Florida League of Cities President Frank Ortis, Mayor, City of Pembroke Pines.
Although 25 states put TABOR amendments on their ballots, Colorado is the only state that passed the tax cap. There, TABOR eroded education, health care and other services so much that voters decided to suspend the cap.
“Does Florida really want to repeat Colorado’s mistake?” said Holley.
Supportive Quotes:
“The double hit of an inadequately funded school system and the possible tax cap would do tremendous harm to Florida’s school districts,” said Dr. Wayne Blanton, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association. “The tax cap amendment is not in the best interests of Florida’s students and educators.”
“We don’t know the true effects of the tax cap because it hasn’t been thoroughly vetted,” said Andy Ford, president of the Florida Education Association. “We could see a proposal on the ballot in November that hasn’t gone through the scrutiny of the committee process. Nobody knows how a tax cap would affect education in Florida.”
“Constitutional tax caps will seriously cripple the ability of special districts with limited funding sources and no access to revenue such as state sales taxes or gas taxes,” said Sue Fern, executive director of the Florida Association of Special Districts. “Whether you consider maintenance and operation of a storm water system, the construction of utility systems to accommodate new development, the provision of juvenile welfare, healthcare services or other critical infrastructure, with tax caps necessary services and infrastructure cannot be provided by special districts.”
“Fire safety isn’t a luxury that you can cut back during hard times,” said Bob Carver of the Florida Professional Firefighters. “We have an obligation to keep Floridians safe, and we can’t do that when local government revenues are determined by an arbitrary cap instead of a community’s needs.”
“TABOR is a proven failure in Colorado, where it sucked the steam from the state economy and impeded its recovery from the last recession,” said Jim Tait, executive director of the Florida Center for Fiscal & Economic Policy. “TABOR is bad policy that’s bad for business, bad for government and bad for residents.”