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House Committee Passes $690 Million Dollar Tax Cut Package The House Finance and Tax Committee passed the
$690 million “No Tax Is Safe” tax cut package--one of the largest tax cuts of its kind in Florida history. The broad-based tax package cuts numerous taxes on everything from cell phone and TV bills to college textbooks to property taxes to taxes on our veterans and deployed military personnel. I believe these broad-based tax cuts are one of the best ways to grow Florida’s
economy and keep Florida a national leader in creating jobs. I also believe the broad-based tax cuts will provide substantial savings to families and consumers, putting more money back into the pockets of hard-working Floridians. ______________________________ Florida Consumer Confidence Hits 10-Year High According to the University of Florida’s March Consumer Sentiment Index, Florida’s consumer confidence has reached its highest level in 10 years. Consumers are also feeling more optimistic about their personal finances one year from now, reaching highs not seen since 2004. This is great news for Floridians, and, in my opinion, is a reflection of our pro-growth policies and record of returning tax dollars to consumers, including $690 million in
proposed broad-based tax relief this year alone. ______________________________Proposed Budget Passes HouseThe Florida House of Representatives passed a $76.2 billion balanced budget
that funds top priorities of the state and provides broad-based, meaningful tax relief to Floridians. With Florida’s economy continuing to improve, we are once again seeing a significant budget surplus this year. However, the Florida House remains committed to fiscal responsibility so that our government continues to live within its means. This budget demonstrates our continued commitment to providing a quality education for Florida’s students by increasing K-12 per student funding to its highest level ever--that’s $214 more per student than last year. The budget also sets aside $200 million for performance funding to reward state universities that help students get jobs after graduation, not just framed degrees. This year’s budget takes what I believe is a comprehensive and balanced approach to addressing Florida’s water supply and quality challenges. We have set aside $132 million for Everglades restoration. We have also allocated $205 million to Florida Forever, with $50 million designated for the purchase of lands to restore Florida’s priority springs. I believe broad-based tax cuts are one of the best ways to grow Florida’s economy. This year’s budget sets aside $690 million in tax relief to Floridians. This money will provide savings for individuals and small businesses, while also infusing more money directly into our economy. Florida is a
national leader in job creation, and, in my view, these tax cuts will keep our state on a path to continued economic prosperity. I also believe government must responsibly plan for the future, just like Florida families must do. This year’s budget maintains $3.1 billion in reserves to prepare for any future economic uncertainty. With this budget, I believe the House has once again demonstrated good stewardship of Florida’s taxpayers’ dollars by ensuring our government continues to live within its means and efficiently provides services to our citizens at a much lower rate compared to other states.
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