At the risk of sending House Speaker Johnnie Byrd into convulsions, I'd like to suggest what seems like a sensible solution to the the state's current (and future) budgetary difficulties: an income tax. Yes, I know that would require a constitutional amendment, but we've amended the constitution before.
I am a middle-aged, childless adult in good health. I have no children to educate and I (knock wood) don't need the benefits of the Medically Needy program. That having been said, I am also selfish enough to realize that educated children eventually turn into educated adults, with significantly higher earning potential than poorly educated adults. Carrying that idea one step further, it would seem to me that job-producing enterprises would be more willing to start up or relocate to a state with an educated, employable workforce. An investment in education, from prekindergarten through the university system, is a prudent investment. And it's the right thing to do.
On the topic of the Medically Needy program, I can't honestly make a sound economic justification for the kind of expenditure needed to support that program. There might not be such a justification. It is, however, a shockingly simple test of our humanity and our ability to be compassionate to our fellow Floridians. And it's the right thing to do.
I realize that I may well be a lone voice in the wilderness, but an income tax seems like the best option. I'm already helping to fund state government operations, and I'm willing to pay a little more, assuming everyone else pays a fair share. The nickel-and-dime approach is inefficient, regressive and clearly not working. Counting on hunting license sales and speeding tickets is an absurd way to pay for a textbook. I expect my elected representatives, especially including the governor, to do much, much better.
-- Douglas Lane, St. Petersburg
The sales tax solution
I saw an amazing fact the other day. It was a solution to all these terrible budget problems the state is having that are forcing the governor and the house to cut out or cut back programs basic to a minimally comfortable life for the middle class, and basic to life itself for the poor or medically needy.
The solution was mind-boggling in its simplicity. One penny. That's what it would take. A one-penny increase in the sales tax would give the state more than enough to fund these programs and the schools and universities, too.
Don't try to tell me that penny would create hardship. What is happening in Tallahassee is creating hardship - big-time, unacceptable, uncivilized hardship. Take my penny, Florida. Give me back respect for my state.
-- B. Sinnott, St. Petersburg
Republican no more
So the legislative session is closed with the dropping of hankies? Someone should drop a club on the lawmakers' heads. It might wake them up so they could start acting like adults instead of a bunch of whiners and incompetent fools, which is exactly what they showed themselves to be. This whole session was a disgrace and every one of them, from Gov. Jeb Bush right down, should be ashamed - ashamed because they sold out the citizens of this state to the business interests again.
House Speaker Johnny Byrd apparently is living on a different planet than the rest of us. His arrogance is appalling.
I have been a registered Republican since I was eligible to vote, but after hearing and reading about this crop of fools I will not vote Republican again. Because of the stupidity in Tallahassee, the Republican Party has lost a loyal voter.
-- Mary Baker, St. Petersburg
Helping environment and land owners
Re: Environmentalists grumble over bills, May 4.
This article unfairly criticized legislation passed by both the House and Senate and, specifically, misrepresented the intent of legislation I sponsored.
Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 956, addresses the immediate problem facing individuals whose land is polluted by dry cleaning chemicals, while also providing legal protection for businesses and land owners, who through no fault of their own, have inherited these potential liabilities.
This legislation encourages businesses and land owners to be good environmental stewards by providing incentives for them to voluntarily begin immediate cleanup of contaminated sites near or on their property. Mind you, in many cases, the individuals assuming the cost of cleanup are not responsible for the contamination.
Without this voluntary intervention by businesses and land owners, individuals adversely affected by the contamination would have to look to the state for assistance. Currently, homeowners residing in sites eligible for cleanup, under the Dry Cleaning Facility Restoration Program, may have to wait as long as 70 years before action is taken by the state to clean their property.
Thus, with the passage of this legislation the environment and property owners stand to benefit greatly by provisions providing legal protection and tax incentives for private companies that perform immediate cleanup. In addition, we all benefit from the savings of our hard earned tax dollars when land owners assume personal responsibility for costs.
It is also important to note that individuals retain the right to seek legal action if no measures have been taken to clean up a contaminated sight, or if they are subject to adverse health issues as a result of the contamination. I, along with my colleagues in the Senate, have certainly not "ignored [the] concerns" of any group or local government. This legislation was subject to two fully public committee hearings prior to repeated votes on the Senate floor. Public testimony is an integral part of the committee process and all senators listen intently to the concerns and ideas brought forth by those testifying regarding proposed legislation.
The Florida Senate recognizes the importance of protecting our environment while also protecting the rights of businesses and land owners. Good legislation strikes a balance between all those affected by its mandate. I believe the legislation you chose to attack in your article addresses the importance of protecting the rights of industries that contribute to our economic vitality, while also recognizing our paramount concerns for protecting the environment and taking the necessary measures to keep it clean.
-- Dennis L. Jones, Senate majority leader, District 13, Seminole
Don't turn off dissent
I contacted Sen. Jim Sebesta's office earlier this week to voice my dissatisfaction over his support of an increase in phone service rates and bland response to delaying the cleanup of the Everglades. I was forceful in making my comments and stated that it appeared that the senator had "sold out to big business." From all indications of the rate increase bill (i.e. being drafted by phone company lobbyists; no guarantee to advertise the Life Line option, etc.) it could be a valid assumption. Besides, as a citizen, I have the right and responsibility to voice my opinion to my elected representatives.
The response from the senator's office? To be cursed at and told that I was mean and nasty. Incredible. I am a recently retired Army colonel who spent the larger portion of his adult life overseas in defense of this very right of free speech. To be dealt with in such a cavalier fashion is highly improper.
If the senator is receiving such a multitude of calls from dissatisfied constituents, then perhaps it's time he re-examined his position on the issues. One doesn't lead by "turning off" dissent.
-- B. Feltner, St. Petersburg
This passes for leadership?
Let's see, the Florida House is dominated by Republicans. The Florida Senate is dominated by Republicans. The governor is a Republican. The minority party had no input into the results for this legislative session.
The Legislature couldn't do the one thing the Florida Constitution requires it to do, pass a budget.
Now that's leadership.
-- Doug Campbell, Palm Harbor
House is out of touch
The Florida Constitution calls public education a paramount duty of the state. Johnnie Byrd, Frank Farkas and other members of the House treat public education as though it is the plague. They want to fund vouchers, virtual school and special sessions for themselves, but they won't fund public education for our children. They are out of touch with average families. They believe that we won't mind if they underfund our children's education. They are wrong. The irresponsibility and arrogance in the Florida House is shameful.
-- Mark Gibson, St. Petersburg
Far-reaching effects of education cuts
Re: Speaker's project helps stall budget, May 1.
Pity our elected officials who are trying to do their jobs with everybody screaming to write your representatives to voice your opinion. I wonder if House Speaker Johnnie Byrd and the other House members are hearing our voices. I'm guessing his e-mail account and his mailbox are overflowing! I'm sure message won't be answered any time soon, so I chose to voice my opinion this way. All those who support Speaker Byrd, listen up.
I am a teacher assistant in Pinellas County Schools who will be eliminated at the end of the school year due to the lack of public funding for the school systems. I am not the only one to be cut. Our assistant principal and behavior specialist, both of whom assist the principal in defusing situations that arise in the classrooms daily, are on the chopping block! Since this threatens the safety of the children and teachers, the article really angers me.
During times of severe funding cutbacks for education, how does Byrd think that spending $45-million for Alzheimer's research to honor his father's memory is fair to those of us losing our jobs because of this misguided spending?
Besides, with the loss of school personnel, the education system will become bogged down with third-graders who can't pass the FCAT. And those who do manage to get by will still have to pass the 10th-grade FCAT to graduate. The loss of support personnel will mean not as many graduates will be going on to college. Those lucky enough to get this far will hit the next brick wall: cutbacks in Bright Futures Scholarships and an increase in tuition.
So who does House Speaker Byrd think is going to be around in the future to do this research to honor his father's memory?
-- Maggie Gillan, St. Petersburg
No money left
I'm sure glad our esteemed leaders didn't raise taxes. What with a 37 percent increase in auto insurance, 21 percent increase in homeowners' insurance and now the hefty increase by the phone company, there's no money left for a tax increase.
Just a question: Won't this increase by the phone company be taxed?
-- Jackie Frogner, Dunedin
Share your opinions
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[Last modified May 9, 2003, 02:06:09]
