Although admittedly late for the beginning of the Florida Taxpayers Union Summit, it was apparent on arrival this organization was taking an aggressive stand on multiple issues from state property taxes and property insurance to Constitutional reform.  This was more than your normal group of attendees trying to administer a band aid on just property taxes; it was group of professionals in their fields laying out the groundwork and strategy for this coming Legislative session. 

Senator Mike Haradopolis was one of the first guests and a staunch supporter of tax reform.  The senator declared that Florida was having spending issues and they were being addressed, having seen the state budget decline from 74 billion to 66 billion.  He advocated that voters should deserve the right to know what their cost of government is, and a TABOR (tax payer’s bill of rights) should be instituted.  He added that more conservative leaders were coming into the senate this next session and intimated they could be more receptive.  The senator also reiterated that government spending should never grow any more than family spending. The results of Polling is high for TABOR showing more than 70 percent favor this legislation, and any overrides should be allowed only by a voter referendum of 60 percent not a super majority by local leaders.

Andrew Moylan from NTU and John Newstreet, addressed energy policy and Eli Lehrer, from the Competitive Enterprise Institute gave a run down on Citizens Insurance and the financial implications of risk assessment from a Hurricane.  He advocated that properties that are at higher risk should pay for that coverage or the fiscal implications could be dire for insurers.  He even brought up a short discussion on the possibility of a State Income Tax remedy, although many people gasped at that happening.

Some of the afternoon session included discussion of Allen Douglas’s plan from the National Federation of Independent Business which is proposing a constitutional amendment for local limits on government spending.  This measure is in full stride and is fully endorsed by the Florida Taxpayers Union as a great step in the right direction.  His website is www.YourDollarYourDecision.com  Mr. Douglas indicated that this first step should address local spending and others should start a second element about State spending.  

Mr. Adam Guillete from Americans for Prosperity gave a stirring speech about fighting taxes in your community.  Other grassroots leaders concluded the day giving success stories on how they fought and won against higher taxes.

As a grassroots leader myself, nothing was more important than hearing the need for a centralized group and pooled resources.  This recurrent theme was evident throughout the day and it is a credit to John Hallman, President of the Florida Chapter of Taxpayers Union for putting together this incredible first event and making it look seamless and effortless.  As time goes by, it is my hope that all members can get together in a similar arena and offer input in a statewide annual event.