Florida TaxWatch Releases Statement Relating to the Halifax Hospital Taxing District Legislation

(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) – The following statement is to be attributed to Dominic M. Calabro, President & CEO of Florida TaxWatch and (Former) Chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Hospital Taxing Districts, relating to the Halifax Hospital Taxing District Legislation.

“Florida TaxWatch encourages the Senate to pause on local House Bill 523 that would allow the Halifax Taxing District to exceed its legal geographic boundary to issue (tax-exempt) bonds to build a hospital outside the district.

“On Thursday, April 18, the Florida Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Halifax’s decision to issue (tax-exempt) bonds to finance a hospital outside its district is unlawful. Additionally, doing so would violate the accountable use of taxpayer’s hard-earned money that should follow the patient in the hospital taxing district. 

“Essentially, this is why the hospital taxing district exists in the first place.”

About Florida TaxWatch

As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog for forty years, Florida TaxWatch works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses. Florida TaxWatch is supported by voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants, and does not accept government funding. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled Florida TaxWatch to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the citizens it serves since 1979. For more information, please visit http://www.floridataxwatch.org.