Welcome to The Dean’s List — an Ed Dean-style look at who Florida’s political achievers were (and weren’t) in the last seven days. What you see here is strictly my opinion, not necessarily the editor’s or the rest of the staff at Sunshine State News.
THOSE WHO MADE THE LIST
Florida Rep. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City. This Panhandle Republican is calling for ditching property taxes and phasing in more sales taxes as a replacement. There are plenty of ideas floating around on the House Finance and Tax Committee including raising sales tax from 6 percent to 13 percent while cutting property taxes. Supporters say this would cover costs for the state and local municipalities. It’s an interesting proposal and Trumbull deserves credit for bringing it up. It’s an idea that should be considered and researched.
The Manufacturers Association of Florida. In 2013, Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature put a moratorium on the manufacturing sales tax for three years. Now the Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) wants it to permanently disappear. This is a 6 percent sales tax on equipment that is purchased by manufacturers, costing companies $144 million. The MAF points out that Florida is one of the few states that impose a sales tax on this type of equipment. While the MAF is hoping enough legislators will sign the pledge to eliminate the tax once and for all, the bottom line is cutting this tax should lead to more jobs.
Florida Sen. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange. When it comes to proposing tax cuts that would benefit Florida business and the economy, Hukill is a leader. Last week, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee passed her bill exempting the first $75,000 from the state corporate income tax. That’s up from the current level of $50,000. Hukill has a history of targeting taxes -- she led the charge against cellphone taxes for example -- and deserves to be commended for it.
Clay County Commissioner Gavin Rollins. This Clay County commissioner led the effort to stop giving $80,000 annually to the Regional Planning Council. Rollins noted in the past the Regional Planning Council might have been needed but it’s time has come and gone. Support from the county remains unchanged even as the Regional Planning Council cut staff over the years.
THOSE WHO DID NOT MAKE THE LIST
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar. Gtetz’s open carry bill has more than its share of merits but there is room for improvement. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and some Republicans want to clarify how the bill will deal with business and private property rights. Concealed weapons permits should be expanded but the questions of how businesses are impacted should
be examined. Let’s hope Gaetz is open to improving his bill through the committee process.
The Miami-Dade County Commission. The South Florida County Commission voted to “Ban the Box” on county job applications asking whether or not applicants had a criminal history. Supporters say this will give more second chances and help their rehabilitations.
But sex offenders and those with felony arrest records will now be able to earn honest livings without being honest with their employers. Thankfully, fire rescue and police applicants would still have to check the box about their criminal past.
Ed Dean, is a senior editor with Sunshine State News whose talk show can be heard on radio stations in Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Daytona Beach, Orlando, the Space Coast, the Treasure Coast and South Florida from West Palm Beach to Miami. It can also be heard in parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. You can reach him at ed@sunshinestatenews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @eddeanradio.
