Column: Not much 'reform' in timid tax panel

Every 20 years, a group of smart people is supposed to get together in Florida to decide whether to overhaul our state's taxes, budget and spending.

This outfit is not just some "blue-ribbon" study group, either. It has real power. It can put its ideas directly on the statewide ballot.

This is the year. The group, called the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, is meeting now to decide what we'll vote on in November.

But I gotta tell you, anybody looking for the Thoughtful Big Picture out of this current crop is going to be disappointed.

So far the tax commission has given preliminary approval to only one sizable idea. That idea is a "tax swap," replacing part of our school property taxes in Florida with higher sales taxes.

But even that idea is only half-baked and threatens to be troublesome. The sales tax is not nearly enough to make up for the lost dough. The Legislature would have to figure out how to replace the rest.

Come on. You and I could do the same thing — wave a magic wand and say, "Hey, here's an idea! Let's get rid of school property taxes and let somebody else figure out how to replace them!" Then we could knock off early and catch a ball game.

Making the hard choices that the political system is unwilling to make is precisely why this "reform" outfit — 25 voting members chosen by the governor and leaders of the Legislature — exists in the first place.

Beyond the tax swap, the commission has done little more than churn out a puny menu of new tax breaks and push ideological agendas, notably:

• Removing Florida's ban on using tax dollars to support religious institutions. Really? That's the big reform this state needs?

• Giving a tax break to "working waterfront" businesses such as fisheries and marinas. Really? We need more tax breaks? This one doesn't even help all those mom-and-pop hotels and restaurants that need it.

• Giving a tax break to owners who set their land aside for "conservation." Some enviro-types like the idea, but it should be said it also would benefit large corporate landholders.

Nothin' personal against the members of the commission. They have no doubt worked hard, attended a bunch of meetings and pored over the ideas.

But you might have noticed that Florida has deep problems with its tax structure. We keep whacking at property taxes willy-nilly. Florida's sales tax has hundreds of exemptions. We hurt Florida businesses and help their out-of-state competitors via the Internet. And every hiccup in the retail economy is a disaster.

For my taste, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission too closely reflects the limitations of the folks who choose it — the leaders of the same system that the commission is supposed to be "fixing."

Really, what we have going here is a shadow "legislature," with the same philosophy and failings as the first one. So who needs two of 'em?

How should we choose the members instead? I dunno. It's tempting to suggest a random drawing, kind of like jury duty. Or a constitutional citizens convention that would vote on reforms and elect its own super-drafting committee to draw 'em up.

As matters stand, we are giving away a once-in-20-years opportunity.

Comments

[Hammer]

Howard,

Very nice column. As always, you’ve captured the core problem with one succinct statement within the column…

“For my taste, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission too closely reflects the limitations of the folks who choose it — the leaders of the same system that the commission is supposed to be "fixing."”

Combine politicians with a “police ourselves” attitude and a financial support mentality of funding “reoccurring expenses” with “non-reoccurring revenue”… and it is easy to understand why our political, taxation, and economic structures are a mess.

Perhaps it time for them to adjourn, go home and leave the mess as it is without making it even more messy.

[Tom]

This TBRC is composed for the most part of a group of intelligent,
courageous individuals with a very competent chairman & Vice Chairman trying to do the best they can for every Florida taxpayer and we should applaud them. Floridians need the opportunity that they are providing them with, the ability to vote for these amendments, to salvage what's left of the Florida dream! This dream is being taken away by the inability of our elected officials to get away from business/lobbyists as usual, popularity and re-election, and instead focus of good public policy. The TBRC does not have some of these dynamics to influence their commission and we hope that all the lobbying that's presently going on doesn't water down to the point of impotence the good public policy amendments already in the works such as the RLE swap & Taxpayer Protection Amendment. And we should sincerely Thank them for their service to Florida

Howard,

You're a biggot and racist. Rooting out bigotry in the Constitution is mundane? Protecting Black Colleges and Univerities isn't worthwhile?

What's your next column about protecting the confederate flag?

He's not a racist. He's ignorant - which leads to racism.

Howard do some research. Get your backside out of bed before 10 am everyday and this wouldn't happen.

[Larry]

Gee, Howard, can you and Tom possibly be talking about the same outfit? I agree with you Howard, they have let a once in twenty year golden opportunity pass without putting much meat on the table. Did they give the citizens of Florida a tax break? Yes, a little, so most voters, like Tom, will give them a slap on the back, thank them for their service to Florida, and send them merrily on their way, not to be heard from again for 20 years. We certainly couldn't expect anything from that useless bunch of circus clowns we call a legislature.

Ah… yes… (12:29 & 12:30)… the latest politico attack mechanism.

Memo To All Staffers:

“As of today, should anyone oppose our position on anything… if there is a black person involved or impacted in any way whatsoever… you are to immediately accuse them of being a racist and bigot.” And remember; “When all else fails, accuse them of wanting the terrorists to win in Iraq.”

As a side note: fresh Kool Aid will be served in the Staffer’s Lunch Room today.

PS. Today’s session on “How to avoid getting caught in a Public Bathroom” will be canceled on account of our course instructor getting caught in a Public Bathroom last night.

… that is all…

[Howard Troxler]

Tough crowd here today. Must be the link from the Buzz...

There is a reason they call it the "BUZZ". Hey, is it 4:20 yet!

11:13

Well said! The FTBRC does not have an easy task and Amendment 1 made their efforts even more difficult. Portability was a huge mistake. It is not only discrimination, but will ultimately impact the budget significantly for many years to come. New and recent buyers, business owners, and second homeowners are considerably overburdened with property taxes and while you may consider the FTBRC's proposal a "tax swap" it will give far more relief to all than Amendment 1, which only guaranteed low taxes forever to long-time homeowners even when they move. You want to move, you should be taxed like everyone else, including your child who wants to buy their first home.

At least the FTBRC is trying to propose true reform that will give RELIEF to all -- a cause that is desperately needed if we are ever to see economic prosperity in Florida again.

Stop corporate welfare (CSX), cut waste, eliminate pork projects, cancel all political pet projects, and vote every incumbent out of office at our first respective given opportunity.

Problem Solved!

[Rich]

Hire a group of 20 random economics profs from colleges throughout the US. No political appointees. no lobby ties. Pay them to come up with an equitable solution to Florida's tax problems.

[Don Mott]

I would like to have seen something on the ballot regarding tax exemptions and subsidies that the state gives to big business. Alas I guess it will not happen. The proposed tax swap is a farce. Just what and who will the legislature rob to include the additional funding needed for schools? Or will they as usual just shift the burden to the counties and cities? Also this will probably eliminate any future votes for the extra penny tax that has done a lot of good things for Pinellas County. How about an amendment that prevents the government from giving our tax dollars to any for profit corporation, like say CSX? Don't even get me started on giving tax dollars to religious organizations. I do like Richs' suggestion. The current commission may have worke hard but the results don't show that.