Florida Council of 100 Opposes Amendment 1

The Florida Council of 100 came out against Amendment 1 on Friday. Amendment 1 would mandate the Legislature send 33 percent of funds generated from real estate document taxes to be used for environmental conservation efforts for the next 20 years. Estimates shows these funds would range from $700 million to $1.3 billion.

The Council of 100 recognizes that protecting our states natural resources is a key part of enhancing the quality of life and economic well-being of all Floridians, said Steve Halverson, the chairman of the Florida Council of 100. However, we should only amend our Constitution sparingly and thoughtfully and not use it to accomplish what can be addressed legislatively. The provisions of Amendment 1 can be dealt with legislatively.

Amendment 1 would tie the hands of our elected leaders, blocking them from optimally allocating tax dollars to citizens needs and preventing them from meeting those needs as the economy fluctuates, said Susan Pareigis, the president and CEO of the Florida Council of 100. Moreover, such appropriation by constitutional amendment would set a dangerous precedent by which other special interests would seek to further hamstring our policymakers ability to lead in a fiscally prudent manner.

Amendment 1 needs 60 percent of the vote on the November ballot to pass.