TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -
On March 8, Florida TaxWatch, an independent nonpartisan research institute, held its State of the Taxpayer Dinner highlighting the issues affecting Florida taxpayers during the 2017 Legislative Session. In its second year, the sold-out, standing room only State of the Taxpayer Dinner attracted more than 150 taxpayers, business and community leaders and lawmakers.
Attendees heard from Florida’s top elected officials including Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senate Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jim Boyd and PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Manny Diaz, all of whom laid out their goals and objectives for the 2017 Legislative Session with a focus on serving the Sunshine State’s taxpayers.
Florida TaxWatch takes pride in our responsibility to provide a forum for our state’s elected leaders to speak directly to the interests of the taxpayers. While there are numerous events at the beginning of Session focused on the priorities of the state’s elected leadership, none focus solely on the future and policy concerns of Florida taxpayers.
“The State of the Taxpayer Dinner is truly the one and only event that shines a spotlight on the issues facing Florida taxpayers. As we begin session, we cannot lose sight of who exactly the Florida Legislature works for,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “Florida TaxWatch looks forward to working with the Legislature and Florida Cabinet to ensure that the goals highlighted are reached during the 2017 Legislative Session.”
“There may be one or two votes coming up in the next couple days in one of the chambers that may have some consequence,” said Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera. “But I can tell you that I know I’m on the right side of that issue, because Florida TaxWatch says I am on the right side.”
“I’m from the big city of Bartow, many citrus and cattle businesses, so we know a thing or two about squeezing a dime to get three nickels, which is what TaxWatch is all about. TaxWatch represents efficiency and productivity,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Florida is a better place because of Florida TaxWatch.”
“It is my job to keep Florida safe, so that all of your businesses can thrive,” said Attorney General Bondi, speaking to the numerous business and community leaders in attendance. “All of you in this room are successful business leaders for Florida.”
“Phil Lewis, Wayne Davis, many great people that really had a good idea. They made it happen and partly as a result of Florida TaxWatch’s efforts, we’ve turned things around in Florida,” said Senator Jack Latvala.
“Thank you Florida TaxWatch for putting the needs of taxpayers first. Rest assured, the Florida House remains committed to Florida TaxWatch’s mission. We will promote transparency, hold government accountable and most importantly, not raise taxes,” said Representative Jim Boyd.
“I want to commend TaxWatch for coming down to my district and having events, which I attended, at each of the winning schools. It was incredible for the kids, it was incredible for the parents, it was incredible for the community but most importantly, it was incredible for the principals,” said Representative Diaz as he touted Florida TaxWatch’s Principal Leadership Program.
Florida TaxWatch thanks our anchor sponsor Neal Communities, along with Baptist Health South Florida, AAA - The Auto Club, Bridges International, Wells Fargo and the Florida Institute of CPAs, for their generous support of The State of the Taxpayer Dinner.