October 2020 News Highlights
In the NewsPRINT & DIGITAL Workers Push to Pass Amendment 2 for $15 Minimum Wage as Florida’s Tourism Industry Fights It (October 1, 2020) Orlando Sentinel Orlando […]
Florida TaxWatch Analyzes 2020 Local Tax and Fiscal Ballot Referenda
Press ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released the 2020 Voter Guide Special Edition: Local Tax Referenda, analyzing the 33 ballot referenda before voters across Florida which propose more than $360 million in tax increases and $200 million in new bond issues. Voters in 11 localities will also help decide questions regarding property tax exemptions, and there are at least 150 charter amendments being decided on local ballots.
2020 Voter Guide Special Edition: Local Tax Referenda
Research, Taxes, Taxpayer Guide, Voter GuidesThe following is a compilation of the tax and fee increases, bond issues, proposed exemptions, and selected other significant fiscal referenda that go before Florida voters on November 3.
2020 How Florida Compares: Taxes
Research, Taxes, Taxpayer GuideThis report is part of our larger How Florida Compares series, which is intended to help Floridians better understand their state through data. This report, like each report in this series, provides neutral, nonpartisan information on where Florida ranks compared to our 49 sister states and the national average.
September 2020 News Highlights
In the NewsFlorida TaxWatch is constantly looking to spread the word about our research, recommendations, and programs, all in pursuit of serving each and every taxpayer in Florida. Below is just a selection of where we’ve popped up in the last few weeks!
Q4 2019-20 Broward Schools SMART Program Report Review
Broward Schools Bond Oversight (SMART Program), ResearchPresented to the Broward County Bond Oversight Committee October 5, 2020
Florida TaxWatch Publica la Guía del Votante de 2020 sobre las Enmiendas Propuestas en las Boletas Electorales
Press ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Hoy, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) publicó la Guía del Votante de 2020 de Florida que proporciona a los contribuyentes análisis y recomendaciones de votación para cada una de las seis enmiendas constitucionales propuestas que aparecerán en la boleta electoral durante las elecciones generales el 3 de noviembre de 2020. Al analizar cada enmienda propuesta, FTW consideró el impacto de estas, los argumentos presentados por las partes a favor y por las partes en contra de su implementación, el impacto fiscal en los contribuyentes de Florida y su idoneidad como enmienda constitucional. Como parte de la Guía para el Votante de 2020, FTW también incluyó una página de notas para que los votantes anoten sus propios pensamientos sobre estos temas y se la lleven a las urnas.
Florida TaxWatch Releases Voter Guide for 2020 Constitutional Amendment Ballot Proposals
Press ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released the 2020 Florida Taxpayers’ Voter Guide to Florida’s Constitutional Amendments providing taxpayers with independent analysis and voting recommendations for each of the six proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot during the 2020 general election. In analyzing each proposed amendment, FTW considered the impact of the amendment, the arguments made by parties both for and against its implementation, the amendment’s fiscal impact on Florida taxpayers, and its appropriateness as a constitutional amendment. As a part of the 2020 Voter Guide, FTW also includes the full text of each proposed amendment and a notes page for voters to jot down their own thoughts on these issues and take it with them to the polls.
General Revenue Estimates for the Current Budget Year Reduced by $3.4 Billion
Budget & Appropriations, ResearchAfter 128 months of economic expansion through February 2020, the global coronavirus pandemic brought on the largest post-war contraction in U.S. history. With the resulting closure or slowdown of businesses, record unemployment, and a loss of tourism, Florida’s economy is suffering. The impact on government revenue has been and will continue to be profound. The General Revenue Estimating Conference met on August 14 and reduced the revenue projections by $3.420 billion in the current budget year and $1.994 billion in FY2021-22. This follows news that actual collections in FY2019-20 fell $1.9 billion short of the estimate.
Florida TaxWatch Releases Findings of 2020 Education Leadership Roundtable with Principal Leadership Award Winners
Press ReleasesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch (FTW) today released its Education Leadership Roundtable Summary Report, which explores ways to improve the overall quality of Pre-K–12 education by examining the “best practices” of some of the state’s most effective public-school principals. The summary report includes key strategies for success shared during a recent FTW Education Roundtable Discussion, along with supporting research and key takeaways.
