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.
A new report by Florida TaxWatch, the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog, finds that the growth of high-tech manufacturing is beneficial to Florida and that investing in the industry now can put us ahead of competitor states in enticing companies to the state.
Governor Scott’s address today stressed what he, Florida TaxWatch and others have been saying for years – we need great jobs and a strong economy in order to make Florida the top state in the country to do business, grow a family and vacation. To do this, he said, we must cut the Business Rent Tax (BRT), fund targeted economic incentive programs and continue to market Florida as the nation’s premier tourist destination.
According to Florida TaxWatch, the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog, the Barbara Bush Foundation’s Teen Trendsetters™ mentor program is helping Florida’s children succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Not only is the program valuable to participants but taxpayers benefit via avoidance of social program costs and additional earnings generated from the potential increase in graduation rates.
The latest edition of Florida TaxWatch’s Economic Commentary looks at the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and the economic impact of ARB infections. The report finds that the increased use of antibiotics has allowed bacteria to develop resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, rendering antibiotic therapy ineffective in the treatment of ARB infections.
Last night, Florida TaxWatch, the state’s independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog, presented its review of the Broward County School District’s SMART Program report for the quarter ending on December 31, 2016. The report includes 28 findings and 16 recommendations, which were elaborated on by Florida TaxWatch’s Vice President of Research, Bob Nave.
Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida are critical functions of our state, boosting our economy and creating thousands of jobs for hard-working Floridians. While we hold much respect for the members on the House Appropriations Committee, we are disappointed in their votes to move forward on House Bill 7005. The bill will now be heard in front of the full House Chamber.
Today’s record-breaking tourism numbers are proof that Florida’s funding of marketing programs is working for the state. Nearly 113 million visitors came to the Sunshine State to attend our theme parks, spend time on the beach and enjoy numerous other attractions.
The latest report by the non-profit, non-partisan government watchdog Florida TaxWatch finds that Florida’s sales tax holidays are beneficial to Florida taxpayers and businesses, while any decrease in sales tax revenue for the state is offset by growth revenue. The report notes that sales tax holidays are successful in increasing consumer spending, and that the Back To School Sales Tax Holiday is the second biggest shopping weekend in Florida, trailing only Black Friday.
Florida’s job growth in 2016 has brought the state’s employment numbers to an all-time high, according to a new report released today by Florida TaxWatch, the state’s premier nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog.
Earlier today, Governor Scott revealed his proposed budget for consideration by the 2017 Legislature. His ‘Fighting for Florida’s Future’ budget aims to cut taxes for Floridians by $618 million (which includes a cut to the Business Rent Tax (BRT)), includes a $85 million investment in economic incentives and calls for $21 billion in state and local funding to improve Florida’s K-12 education system.
Florida TaxWatch is pleased that the Governor Scott has heeded the recommendations of our research to include a 25 percent reduction (1.5 points) in the business rent tax (BRT), saving Florida businesses more than $454 million a year. As the only state in the union with a tax on commercial leases, Florida is at a clear competitive disadvantage with other states.
This morning, the Florida Supreme Court declined to hear the teacher’s union lawsuit attacking Florida’s tax credit scholarship program. This is a huge victory for Florida families. These scholarships provide lower income families, most of whom are minorities, the opportunities to receive a high quality education and are funded through donations from businesses across the state.
With Florida’s prison population one of the largest in the country, lawmakers have made a concentrated push to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the state correctional system. The latest report by Florida TaxWatch, the state’s premier, non-partisan government watchdog, offers a detailed analysis of the state’s sentencing, incarceration, prisoner, and correctional budget histories, allowing policy makers and the public to identify areas in need of improvement regarding corrections.
Florida TaxWatch, the state’s premier, non-partisan government watchdog for almost 40 years, has led the charge for expanding scope of practice for advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants (PAs), which would significantly lower costs for patients while improving access across the state. On January 1, 2017, provisions within HB 423 became effective, making Florida the final state in the country to allow ARNPs to prescribe controlled drugs.
Today, Florida TaxWatch held a press conference outlining the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force (GETF) final report, which details 29 recommendations that would improve government operations while saving hard-working Florida taxpayers’ money. The potential cost-savings the state could realize if these recommendations were implemented could exceed $2 billion annually.
While people are focusing on holiday shopping and travel plans, Florida TaxWatch is looking to 2017 and what it will bring for Florida’s economic outlook. The latest Economic Commentary published by the non-partisan, non-profit research institute finds that 2017 should bring sustained growth to the Sunshine State as people continue to find jobs and payrolls increase.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The latest General Revenue forecast paints a slightly less gloomy picture than previous projections, as highlighted by the December edition of the
Charlie was a highly effective Chancellor of Florida’s universities and public leader for the taxpayers of the Sunshine State for many decades. Florida and its taxpayers are certainly much better off because of the leadership and effective management skills of Charlie Reed. It was my pleasure and honor to have been his friend for more than 30 years and his loss is a loss for me personally, all Floridians and everyone who cares about education and public service.
Governor Rick Scott could not have made a better choice than selecting my friend and Florida TaxWatch leader Syd Kitson to serve on the Board of Governors of the State University System. Syd was highly effective serving as the innovative Chairman of the TaxWatch Center for Health & Aging, helping TaxWatch be a leader in securing legislation on Telehealth and expanded scope of practice for nurse and allied health professionals in the 2016 Legislative Session.
For over 45 years, donor support has made Florida TaxWatch the state’s leading independent voice for taxpayer accountability. There are many ways to support our mission.
