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After redoing the math, he concludes the sales tax rate could be lowered to 4.5 percent, not 4 percent.
By STEVE BOUSQUET, Times Tallahassee Deputy Bureau Chief
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 16, 2002
TALLAHASSEE -- Another day, another new twist to Senate President John McKay's proposed revamping of Florida's tax system.
A day after promising to protect an array of business sales tax exemptions, McKay redid his math and concluded that the numbers won't work with his proposed 4 percent sales tax. He's now proposing lowering the tax rate from 6 percent to 4.5 percent.
McKay is still furious at broadcasting lobbyist Pat Roberts' 12-minute video attacking his plan as "broadcasting terrorism." He called the tape "dishonest" and said it has "destroyed" Roberts' credibility.
"All I know is, I've had more legislators talk to me in the past two weeks than in the past 15 years," Roberts said. "We don't think you write tax law in the Constitution. And we'll continue our opposition."
McKay also began soliciting support, including money, from Capitol lobbyists. They are being asked to help underwrite an advertising campaign to neutralize antitax TV ads that Florida stations are running for free.
McKay met with several prominent lobbyists, explained his plan in detail and asked for support. He said the session was held outside the Capitol because of a state law that prohibits accepting or soliciting campaign contributions in government buildings.
"The president's message was, "Let me tell you what's going on,' " said Pete Dunbar, who attended the session at the office of his client, the Florida Retail Federation. He said the Senate leader did not solicit donations to pay for an advertising campaign, but "he did indicate that they are prepared to do that."
The Florida Retail Federation has taken no position on McKay's proposal.
Lobbyists who attended the session included Brian Ballard, Doug Bruce, Gene McGee and Steve Winn, who represent an assortment of clients including banks, medical groups, insurers and utilities.
As Senate president, McKay wields life-or-death power over legislation. But he said his seeking of lobbyist support for his tax plan, including paying for TV ads, is no different from any political campaign.
"I go out and raise money for campaigns, too. How's that any different?" McKay said.
Dunbar said McKay's private huddle with lobbyists is standard procedure. "This is what happens on every major piece of legislation," Dunbar said.