Larger tax cut is urged by panel

The budget reform group could offer its own plan in the fall.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published November 2, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - A state commission Thursday began batting around ideas for giving taxpayers more property tax relief than they'll get even if voters approve a ballot proposal the Legislature passed three days earlier.

Several members of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission said they were disappointed with the legislative plan that will be on the Jan. 29 presidential primary ballot.

The commission, which meets once every 20 years, can put its own proposal on the November 2008 general election ballot.

Commissioners said the legislative plan doesn't cut taxes enough - particularly for businesses, snowbirds, landlords and recent or first-time home buyers - although lawmakers estimate it would save taxpayers $12.4-billion over five years.

State Rep. Carlos Lacasa, who chairs the panel's Planning and Budgetary Processes Committee, said he favors a plan the House had passed before reluctantly accepting a take-it-or-leave-it compromise offered by the Senate.

He thinks voters should pass the legislative proposal and then the commission could offer more tax savings in the fall.

[Last modified November 1, 2007, 22:41:46]