Increasing the Homestead Exemption

[Charles Hunter]

Putting it here so I don't lose it
The link to see what effect the stupid law will have on your property taxes
https://www.propertyexemption.com/save-our-homes-amendment/

I get a message that flashes for about a half-second that says they don't have a record for my address. Am I unique, or is this a Duval County thing? I tried the addresses of six family members, and only two came back with the savings. Tellingly, they say the School Tax amount is unchanged. It doesn't appear the governor's campaign website (any tax dollars in this thing?) takes into account existing Save Our Homes assessment limits.

[jaxoNOLE]

My address returned results that looked fairly accurate.

Nevertheless, this issue--which is a valid topic for policy debate--has been co-opted into a MAGA extremist position I can't support as a conservative. It's deeply disappointing, because it poisons the well for good faith conversations on the merits of limited government.

I've voted for multiple tax increases locally and watched those dollars largely get pissed away. So at a personal level, I understand the anger. But I also recognize this gambit for what it is, and hope it doesn't pass. Because the honest way to cut taxes is for council to reduce spending, and then pass a millage cut. But it's less accountable for them personally to let the State dictate terms, and then play victim.

As an aside, it's extremely unfortunate that Deegan has to take a "pro-tax" stance heading into re-election. Republicans will pounce, regardless of the fact they too want the funding available for police and fire (MURICA!  And all that).

[Charles Hunter]

My address returned results that looked fairly accurate.


As an aside, it's extremely unfortunate that Deegan has to take a "pro-tax" stance heading into re-election. Republicans will pounce, regardless of the fact they too want the funding available for police and fire (MURICA!  And all that).

But, the language of the amendment lists "Public Safety" as the first of the seven "only used for" uses of the proceeds of ad valorem taxes. Public safety are: law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical service. So, funding for police and fire (and EMTs) is guaranteed.

The full list, from Article VII - Finance and Taxation, Section 9 - Local Taxes

(a) (2) Ad valorem taxes levied by counties and municipalities shall be used only to:
a. Provide for public safety, including law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical service;
b. Provide funding for education and public schools;
c. Finance or refinance infrastructure, including expenditures on road and bridge construction and maintenance and stormwater control;
d. Finance or refinance natural resource projects, including flood control measures;
e. Issue local bonds for uses consistent with this paragraph and to make debt service payments for existing
obligations;
f. Meet obligations for retirement benefits of local government employees; or
g. Fund the operations and administration of county officers and commissioners established under Article VIII and municipalities, and the expenditures approved by such county officers or county or municipal governing bodies, except those expenditures prohibited by general law.

None of that 'woke' stuff like feeding the hungry, housing the unhoused, providing and maintaining parks or the arts, development incentives, sports stadiums, and so on.

[Ken_FSU]

My address returned results that looked fairly accurate.

Nevertheless, this issue--which is a valid topic for policy debate--has been co-opted into a MAGA extremist position I can't support as a conservative. It's deeply disappointing, because it poisons the well for good faith conversations on the merits of limited government.

I've voted for multiple tax increases locally and watched those dollars largely get pissed away. So at a personal level, I understand the anger. But I also recognize this gambit for what it is, and hope it doesn't pass. Because the honest way to cut taxes is for council to reduce spending, and then pass a millage cut. But it's less accountable for them personally to let the State dictate terms, and then play victim.

As an aside, it's extremely unfortunate that Deegan has to take a "pro-tax" stance heading into re-election. Republicans will pounce, regardless of the fact they too want the funding available for police and fire (MURICA!  And all that).

I wish more people on all sides of the political spectrum spoke about these things this rationally.

[jcjohnpaint]

Agreed. It is refreshing👏