Gov. Charlie Crist pushed Florida voters to adopt Amendment 1 in January as a way to lower their local property tax rates. It passed by a wide margin.
Then the governor put forth his proposed budget. It relies on $338-million more in local property taxes to cover growth in education spending. The Pinellas and Hillsborough school districts would see their rates rise by 0.148 mills and 0.223 mills, respectively. Pasco and Hernando would see slight decreases.
Crist's budget is proving a nonstarter in Tallahassee. But it's still interesting to see that interaction between one hand and the other. To see the proposed 2008-09 required local effort, click here.
Get inside the world of Florida education with St. Petersburg Times staff writer Jeffrey S. Solochek and the rest of the Times education reporting team. We'll bring you up-to-date information about the latest education trends, fads and news and dig deep into Tampa Bay area school issues.
The Governor's proposal does nothing without the Legislature, but the key change that the Governor made which created the tax increase in half of the districts in the state IS likely to be adopted by the Legislature because it hides their lack of General Revenue.
This change was to shift nearly $700 million in two categorical programs that were funded 100% by state general revenue into the FEFP program which is funded at about 55-45 by general revenue versus local property taxes on average. Because of a quirk in the formula designed to allow even the most property rich districts to share in a little bit of state general revenues for their school funding (90% rule) which applies to all FEFP funding, these districts not only will see their local citizens paying a higher rate for their property taxes but they will receive a smaller share of the general revenue pot as well. In other words, this is a screw job, but don't be at all surprised if it isn't adopted by the Legislature because it hides their inabilities to finance the needs of the entire state.
Posted by: | February 21, 2008 at 09:50 AM
Raising the school tax milage rate. Of course, that was the plan all along. Do you folks want to vote for amendment 1, again. I'll bet you do. Of the $240, how much will be left?
I've said this governor was a one termer, this proves it. After McCain looses, Crist will come back to Florida with his tail between is legs with all that more promises to fix everything. Well, too late, Mr. Crist. Once bitten, twice shy, will be the attitude of the voters. You need to make plans for a contract with Copper Tone, or somebody.
Posted by: JoeF | February 19, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Why in h@ll does this surprise anyone? For all the idiots who voted for this pathetic amendment - you're going to get what's coming to you. Tax reform? Yeah, right. You got it all right. The next chapter will be when it's thrown out in court. And yes, that's coming too....
Posted by: | February 19, 2008 at 03:24 PM
I think Charlie has a cute butt. Too bad he is a typical Republican. Says he is lowering taxes but ends up costing you more.
Posted by: MarkMarsh | February 19, 2008 at 01:05 PM
He's not as dumb as some of the people who voted for A1: He doesn't own property in FL.
Posted by: | February 19, 2008 at 12:51 PM
is there anyone else on this blog who thinks Charlie Crist is a complete ninkoompoop?
Posted by: terminator | February 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM
If anyone is at all surprised by this, then I have some swamp land in South Florida for sale....cheap!
Once again, the taxpayer have been duped and fell for it....hard.
Posted by: concerned | February 19, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I'm so happy that all the people voted for Amendment 1!!!!!!!!! Now watch your taxes rise anyway! Way to go dumbies!
Posted by: Told ya so | February 19, 2008 at 11:09 AM