Governor promotes tax cut plan in Tampa

TAMPA -- Gov. Charlie Crist today used a family of four cramped in a two-bedroom house in South Tampa to promote the property tax cut plan the Legislature passed this week that would save taxpayers $12.4-billion over five years.

"I want you to appreciate how good this thing is," Crist said on the lawn of the family's home.

The benefit Crist highlighted the most was the tax proposal's "portability" clause, which would allow homeowners to take their Save Our Homes tax break with them when they move.

Crist said the change will fire up Florida's moribund real estate market, turning the state's economy into the "thoroughbred it is" by encouraging home purchases. He used a blue marker to sign a resolution backing the plan before local legislators, government officials and TV cameras.

It was all for show, however, because constitutional amendments passed by the Legislature go straight to the ballot without the governor's signature.

Florida voters get the final say in January.

Watch a video of Crist signing the resolution here.

Justin George, Times staff writer

Comments

[ds]

What an idiot. Hard to believe he can even say this stuff with a straight face. Vote no people. The state of florida deserves better and can do much better.

[Cliff]

Governor Charlie is Claude Kirk with a suntan.

[Mark]

The govenor has got to be kidding. The average savings is $240, does he think we are idiots? I love the way the House and Senate pushed a tax plan together in limited time. How about working harder on the homeowners insurance, I saw in the paper today they are now adding a surcharge. What a crock of crap all this is. Vote NO and remember all this at election time.

Fine, that's just fine Charlie. That family can buy a new home & be protected under their SOH.

Question is: WHO will buy THEIR home?

Geesh!

We don't like it at all! You are creating 2 classes of citizens!

"It was all for show, however, because constitutional amendments passed by the Legislature go straight to the ballot without the governor's signature."

Then please tell me why my tax dollars are being spent for his pr tour? How much did today's tour of Florida cost me?

[Mary]

Sure would be nice if all this expert advise Charlie has actually came from a homeowner. Wake up Florida! This idiot has never owned a damn piece of property and is trying to tell you how it will be. He is clueless!!