Florida TaxWatch released a list of taxpayer priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session, which scheduled to adjourn on March 8th.
While it is not an exhaustive list of issues the independent, nonpartisan taxpayer research institute will follow, the organization said it reflects specific topics FTW has examined and will continue to closely monitor during the upcoming session.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, House Speaker Paul Renner, and their respective chambers’ commitment in addressing our unique opportunities and challenges on behalf of Florida’s nearly 23 million residents,” Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said. “Florida TaxWatch is proud to share its 24 taxpayer priorities that we will be closely monitoring as a trusted, go-to resource for leaders, policymakers, staff, and media throughout the next 60-days and beyond.
“Florida continues to be the most envied of states due to its economic viability, business-friendly incentives, high quality education, and health care priorities, truly making the Sunshine State the best place to live, work, vacation, and raise a family. That’s why, as the ‘eyes and ears’ of taxpayers, Florida TaxWatch has once again proudly identified several taxpayer priorities.”
Florida TaxWatch’s taxpayer priorities for the 2024 legislative session are as follows:
Tax Reform
Goal: A fair and equitable system of taxation
Issues:
- Reduce (and eventually repeal) the business rent tax
- Reduce the communications services tax
- Increase property tax exemptions
- Reform and reduce tangible personal property tax
- Reduce corporate income tax
- Amend the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (specifically as it relates to interest on refunds)
Government Efficiency
Goal: Rational spending, and the elimination of waste and duplication
Issue: Procurement reform (specifically as it relates to largescale IT projects)
Housing
Goal: An adequate supply of affordable housing units, allowing people to live closer to where they work
Issue: Discontinue sweeping affordable housing trust funds like the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) and Sate Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Water & Infrastructure
Goal: An intermodal transportation system that promotes the safe and efficient movement of people and goods and an adequate supply of clean and affordable water
Issues:
- Increase use of public private partnerships (PPP)
- Establish a five-year statewide water plan
- Dedicated funding for a septic-to-sewer program
Health Care Reform
Goal: Improved access to care, reduced costs of care, and improved patient outcomes
Issues:
- Increased use of telehealth and telemedicine
- Reduce costs of prescription drugs
- Address shortage of physicians and critical healthcare workers
Education & Workforce Development
Goal: Preparing Florida students to compete in a global economy
Issues:
- Address teacher shortages
- Enhance vouchers/opportunity scholarship opportunities
- Extend State Group Insurance Program to Florida College System employees
Criminal & Civil Justice
Goal: Protect the public by deterring and preventing crime, punishing offenders, and reintroducing those who have served their time back into the community
Issue: Address shortage of law enforcement and corrections officers
Economic Development & Recovery
Goal: Continued growth and diversification of Florida’s economy.
Issues:
- Property insurance reform
- Film industry incentives
- Short term rental reform
- VISIT FLORIDA funding
Children & Families
Goal: Stronger families
Issue: Address workforce instability in the child welfare system
Civic Engagement
Goal: A well-informed and engaged citizenry
Issue: Take steps to eliminate an undercount in the 2030 Census
