Charlie Crist continues to impress

A slew of articles today that demostrates Governor Crist is delivering for the state of Florida and its not just lip service.

The Associated Press writes about Crist’s outreach to minorities. Click here to read about Crist’s work with the African American community and record election numbers.

Crist is also rolling up his sleeves to tackle the property tax issue. Read an article from the St. Petersburg Times here.

Crist Works Property Tax Deal

Governor Crist is taking a leading role in the latest tax talks.  It looks like he is determined to  make good on a campaign promise to lower taxes.  Read the latest from the St. Pete Times.

On the chopping block — Crist and Legislature look at budget

The start of special session should bring some fireworks in the Capital City.  Here is a sample of news articles this morning: Tallahassee Democrat, Associated Press, St. Pete Times and Miami Herald.

Prop tax vote on hold… for now

No doubt by now you have seen the ruling that came down yesterday putting the Jan. 29th vote on hold… for now.  A judge ruled that the language is confusing.

Here is reax to the ruling:

House Speaker Marco Rubio: “The Legislature, working with the Governor’s Office, crafted a ballot summary that fully and accurately explains the implications and effects of the proposed constitutional amendment.  Floridians desperately need property tax relief.  Too many local governments have refused to provide tax relief. One way or another, we will give Florida taxpayers the relief they deserve.”

Senate President Ken Pruitt: “The good news is that part of the Legislature’s tax reform was upheld today; taxpayers will receive a measure of property tax relief immediately. As far as the constitutional amendment, we will explore our options after reviewing the judges ruling.”

Sen. Daniel Webster: “We are going to weigh our options and consult with legal counsel before moving forward. As Republicans we remain committed to providing Floridians with the opportunity vote on an amendment that will provide property tax relief.”

Rep. Dan Gelber: “Today’s circuit court ruling gives us an opportunity to bring  meaningful relief to Florida’s middle class taxpayers, without eliminating Save Our Homes or bankrupting our public schools.”

Gov. Charlie Crist: “The Legislature smartly put the power to cut property taxes into the hands of the people.  We will continue to work to ensure Florida ’s homeowners get the relief they need and deserve.”

RPOF Chairman Jim Greer: “While we are disappointed in this decision, we know that ultimately the people of Florida will not stand by and let their property taxes continue to skyrocket.  Republicans have worked hard to pass the largest tax cut in Florida history and to put this decision in the people’s hands by letting them vote for additional savings on January 29, and we will continue to work to find a solution to this critical issue.”

Tax cutting website launched

The Crist supported ‘Vote Yes on 1- Save our Homes Now’ group has launched a new website to promote the tax cutting constitutional amendment. View Governor Crist’s speech at the event that kicked off the group earlier this week.

http://yeson1florida.com/

Crist lends support to property tax amendment

A bi-partisan group of Floridians launched “Yes on 1 — Save our Homes NOW” to advocate for the largest tax cut in Florida’s history.

Florida Senator Mike Fasano is Chairman of the group and was recently joined by Governor Charlie Crist, Nancy Riley, president of the Florida Association of Realtors, Roger Enzor, past president of the Florida Association of Realtors and Barney Bishop, President and CEO of The Associated Industries of Florida, at a press conference in front of the home of Veronica Greco, a Tampa resident who supports Amendment 1.

Read more about it here.

See a photo of the event 917-press-conf-close.jpg

Crist in his own words

Governor Crist makes the rounds at editorial boards recently to discuss the latest issues…take a look for yourself.

Northwest Florida Daily News

Tallahassee Democrat

St. Petersburg Times
Technorati Tags: charlie+crist, property+taxes, insurance

Crist defends early primary date

Florida Governor Charlie Crist defended the January 29th primary date in an interview with Associated Press. Read more here.
Technorati Tags: property+taxes, governor+crist, Florida+politics

Tax cut in our hands

I received by trim notice this week and I wasn’t very excited I have to admit. All the talk of the taxes dropping like a rock and it was about $250. I consider myself a fiscal conservative and a fan of tax cuts.

the upcoming Jan 29 vote looks iffy at this point, but it really is up to the citizens of florida to decide if we want a bigger tax cut.

Gov Crist was with the National Assoc. of Relators this week and from what I hear– he was pumped. He tossed his remarks and really got into it trying to drive home his point. If you want your taxes to drop, you have to get out and vote for the tax cut.

It will be interesting to see where this debate goes in the coming months…. any thoughts?

Technorati Tags: political+blog, , politics, gop, governor+crist, charlie+crist, florida, politics, florida+property+tax

Lower taxes on the horizon?

According to a Jose Soto, a blogger from Palm Beach county, “…tax notices are in the mail this week to almost 621,000 property owners in Palm Beach County, and the slumping real estate market coupled with the state-mandated spending rollback for local governments are producing lower taxes for almost everyone.

“Overall, 63 percent of property owners will see their taxable values lowered on their 2008 bill, with the average drop about 7 percent, according to figures from the Property Appraiser’s Office. Tax rates across the county have dropped, too, as a result of state-ordered spending cuts of 3 to 9 percent.”

It looks like there is hope… I am pretty sure that my taxes will lower a lot if the vote passes in Jan.

Technorati Tags: property+tax, florida+politics, charlie+, crist, gop, republican