The rolling campaign to provide a constitutional amendment change to Florida’s tax laws came to Tampa with all the usual decorations of a political campaign. Waving signs, firm handshakes, campaign leaders and more visited a South Tampa home with popular Republican Governor Charlie Crist leading the way.
A campaign to “reduce taxes” is a hard thing to challenge from any side. While the crowd was made up mostly of Republicans, many Democrats were present. Former Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Mike Hamby expressed support for the amendment and acknowledged that with the Presidential Primary on the same date, the turnout should be high. Front Page Florida Editor – Greg Truax – was the main organizer of the pep rally looking event. Mark Wilson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce has been been involved in the supporting campaign along with Representative Kevin Ambler and others.
Emphasizing the value of putting the decision in the people’s hands, Governor Crist expressed optimism on the successful passage of the amendment that requires a 60% positive vote. The provision allows for portability of the tax cap for homestead residences and increases the amount of homestead value exempted from taxes.
The campaign for tax reform was slightly overshadowed as Governor Crist responded to a question about today’s suspension of Allstate Insurance from issuing new policies. The popular Governor suggested policy holders look for a new and better company.
