GOP: Sink Plan Would Cost Florida Households Average of $1,789

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate's campaign pledges will cost the average Florida household $1,789 in higher taxes, Republican leaders charged today.

Following up on incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos' written request for Sink to detail her economic policies, GOP legislative leaders calculated that the Democrat's proposals for public-sector raises and a new passenger regional rail system would cost $12.5 billion.

Dividing that figure by 6,987,647 Florida households, per the U.S. Census, the Republicans derived a potential average tax hike of $1,789 per household.

"We are constitutionally bound to pass a balanced budget and tax increases will not be a part of any budget proposed by the Florida House," said incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon.

"Raising taxes in a down economy is irresponsible and reckless, and we need CFO Sink to provide more details on how she would suggest the Legislature fund her expansion of government at a time when our families and businesses can least afford to pay for it.