BREAKING – Governor Rick Scott’s Rogue Chief of Staff Steve MacNamara Has Resigned

Author’s note:  The following article from the Miami Herald’s online outlet was published before MacNamara’s resignation was tendered.  He has in fact, resigned:

Sources: Gov. Rick Scott’s embattled chief of staff to step down from post

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff Steve MacNamara will be announcing his resignation, ending what has been a tumultuous week of news reports about his steering no-bid contracts to friends and interfering in staffing decisions throughout state government, sources close to the Scott administration said Saturday afternoon.  Continue reading this article at:  miamiherald.typepad.com.

MacNamara’s resignation letter to Governor Scott:  http://miamiherald.typepad.com/files/skmbt_c45112051215000.pdf

Gov Scott Rejects Concealed Weapons Ban in Tampa

“TAMPA — Gov. Rick Scott has rejected Tampa’s request to ban concealed weapons outside the Republican National Convention.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn asked Scott on Tuesday to issue an executive order prohibiting the transportation of firearms in downtown Tampa during the convention, Aug. 27-30.

In a response dated the same day, Scott said Tampa was overreaching. Already, he said, the Secret Service will ban firearms inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, the site of the convention, as well as in a hardened security perimeter immediately around the convention campus.

“You are now requesting that citizens be disarmed in all of downtown Tampa, including in areas across the river, and distant from the convention center and Secret Service safe zone,” Scott wrote in a two-page letter to the city.

“It is unclear how disarming law-abiding citizens would better protect them from the dangers and threats posed by those who would flout the law,” the governor said. “It is at just such times that the constitutional right to self-defense is most precious and must be protected from government overreach.”

Full article…http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article1228001.ece

ACTION NEEDED NOW – Stop Green Energy Subsidies

NO CRONY CAPITALISM

Tell Governor Rick Scott not to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.

This is an opportunity to send an email to Gov Scott asking him not to sign legislation that would allow for millions of state tax dollars to be spent on subsidies for green energy companies. If you feel this is important please click on the link below for the message and instructions on how to send it.

“Governor Rick Scott is reviewing H.B. 7117, a bill that  gives $100  million in tax incentives for renewable energy, which was passed  during the  2012 session.  He has until  April 14th to decide whether this bill should  become law or be  vetoed.

Please click the above  act now  button to send a message by email or phone to tell Govoner Scott to veto this horrible bill.  Please do it now!  Thank you.

Vets Angry – Obama Flag Replaced American Flag

A Democratic HQ in Lake County Florida has taken down a flag featuring the face of Barack Obama, after irate veterans literally stormed the front porch of the building demanding its removal.

This flag is a disgrace, directly violating the U.S. flag code. When confronted by the veterans, The Democratic Chair Nancy Hulbert at first threatened to call the police, but finally decided to look up the flag code. At that point she decided to take it down.

Continue reading at:  Westernjournalism.com.
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JUST A PIECE OF CLOTH, Tribute to US Flag & Veterans

Video – hat tip: nancyabbo

Florida Legislative Wrap Up

This piece was forwarded to us by our realtor friends with a description of what some of the FL legislation will mean going forward. It’s amazing the volume of bills that get filed every year. This year there were 1747 bills filed. Florida Realtors® News Legislature 2012 Wrap UpTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — March 9, 2012 — If you’ve been following the 2012 regular session of the Florida Legislature, you know it’s been anything but typical.In addition to dealing with a $2 billion budget shortfall, legislators had another time-consuming task that happens only once a decade: redraw political boundaries, a process that required the Legislature to convene two months earlier than usual.Given these circumstances, Florida Realtors® went into the 2012 session with realistic expectations and a modest agenda. “Last year, we took on some big issues — ‘scrapping the cap’ on the Sadowski Housing Trust Funds and passage of a proposed constitutional amendment providing property tax relief for thousands of residential and commercial property owners. That will appear as Amendment 4 on the November ballot,” says John Sebree, senior vice president of public policy for Florida Realtors.”With the budget shortfall, we knew legislators wouldn’t have an appetite for additional property tax reform, so we focused primarily on initiatives that could strengthen the real estate market and improve the business environment of our members.” Of the 1,747 general bills filed this session, about 300 passed both chambers. Among these are several of Florida Realtors priority bills dealing with septic tank inspections, local business taxes and Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Following are highlights of the 2012 legislative session, which adjourned minutes ago: Real estate sales associates and broker associates exempt from local business taxes. HB 7125, a bill by the House Economic Affairs Committee and Rep. Ken Roberson (R-Port Charlotte) exempts real estate sales associates and broker associates from paying local business taxes (formerly known as occupational license fees) if required in their city or county. Under Florida law, these individuals must affiliate with a real estate broker who already pays local business taxes. Brokers will continue to pay the tax. Repeal of the tax will save real estate licensees $3.8 million annually. Effective date if signed by governor: Oct. 1, 2012. Mandatory septic tank inspections out, optional inspections in. HB 1263 , an omnibus health care bill by Rep. Matt Hudson (R-Naples), was amended yesterday with Realtor-supported language originally provided in HB 999 by Rep. Chris Dorworth (R-Heathrow) and SB 820 by Sen. Charlie Dean (R-Inverness) to repeal the mandatory septic tank inspection law passed in 2010. It establishes an optional inspection program for the 19 counties with the 33 largest springs. However, other cities and counties may opt into the program as well. Also, septic tank inspections cannot be required as a condition of sale. Effective date if signed by governor: March 9, 2012. A major step toward creating a competitive property insurance market. HB 1127 by Rep. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) reduces the amount of money private insurers must give Citizens Property Insurance Corp. if the state insurer goes broke after a catastrophic storm. The first check a private insurer writes after a catastrophic storm should be to their policyholders, not Citizens. However, current law requires insurers to pay Citizens up to 18 percent of their premiums within 30 days of being assessed. They can later recoup these monies from their policyholders. It’s hoped that HB 1127 will attract new insurers to Florida and keep existing insurers here. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. Tax boost for businesses. HJR 1003 by Rep. Eric Eisnaugle (R-Orlando) creates a proposed constitutional amendment to increase the exemption for tangible personal property taxes. Under current law, an exemption applies to the first $25,000 in property taxes such as business equipment. If approved by 60 percent of voters in the November election, the exemption would expand to include the value of tangible personal property between $25,000 and $50,000. Options for challenging Citizens replacement cost estimates. In January, following discussions with Florida Realtors and policyholders concerned about unreasonably high replacement cost estimates, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. agreed to consider valuation sources other than 360Value software. HB 1101 codifies three options into law, including valuations prepared by real estate appraisers licensed under Chapter 475, F.S. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. Broad range of economic development incentives. HB 7087 is a large omnibus tax bill that’s part of the budget deal agreed to between the House and Senate. Of particular interest to real estate companies is an increase in the corporate income tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. Reducing condo inventory and protecting an appraiser’s interests. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) pushed two bills this session that contain items of interest to the real estate industry. You may recall that the 2010 Legislature wanted to encourage investors to purchase blocks of condo units to reduce inventory levels. This was accomplished in part by amending condo laws to protect bulk buyers from some of the liabilities faced by condo developers. These protections were set to expire on July 1, 2012. HB 517 by Rep. James Grant (R-Tampa) extends the “bulk buyer” provision to July 1, 2015. Effective date if signed by governor: July 1, 2012. The other DBPR bill, HB 887 by Rep. Clay Ingram (R-Pensacola), prohibits Appraisal Management Companies from requiring appraisers to sign hold harmless agreements as a condition of business. Effective date if signed by governor: Oct. 1, 2012. Budget appropriations. Though the Legislature swept all monies collected for the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund into general revenue, it appropriated funds for economic development initiatives and tourism that could ultimately benefit the real estate market: $61 million for the State Economic Enhancement and Development (SEED) Fund and other economic development funds. These monies may be used to fund affordable housing programs and projects. $27.5 million for Visit Florida, the state’s marketing agency. $8.6 million for Enterprise Florida, a state economic development agency. In addition, the Legislature set aside $285,000 to combat unlicensed activity, $30 million for Everglades restoration, $8.4 million for the Florida Forever land acquisition program and $1.5 million to study nitrogen reduction and develop possible new technology for passive septic systems. INITIATIVES THAT FAILED SJR 314 by Sen. David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs) would have replaced Amendment 4 on the November ballot — supported by Florida Realtors — with one that created a “super exemption” on homestead properties. Amendment 4, which lawmakers approved in 2011, includes a property tax break for first-time homebuyers and curbs the growth of commercial property assessments. HB 213/SB 1890 Rep. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) and Sen. Jack Latvala (R-St. Petersburg), which sought to speed up Florida’s judicial foreclosure process. The bills also contained language to reduce the amount of time lenders have to request a deficiency decree from five years to one. SJR 838/HJR 55 by Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami) and Rep. Jeanette Nunez (R-Miami) sought to freeze property tax rates for low-income seniors. SB 1784/HB 245 by Sen. Alan Hays (R-Umatilla) and Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton), which would have allowed surplus lines carriers to take policies out of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. HB 319 by Rep. George Moraitis, Jr. (R-Fort Lauderdale) included language clarifying that a lender is responsible for a specific amount of unpaid fees and assessments for association-controlled foreclosures (condos/HOA/co-op). Safe Harbor provisions already exist in statute and state that a bank’s liability is capped at the lesser of 12 months’ past due assessments or 1 percent of the original mortgage debt. However, this hasn’t stopped collection agencies and attorneys from disrupting closings with dubious financial claims against lenders.

Septic Tank Law Repealed!!!

Victory!!  Septic Tank Law Repealed!!!

 As reported by our friends at The Tea Party Network-
I am happy to report that after years of hard work on the part of dedicated legislators and many groups across the State of Florida including The Tea Party Network, and through the dedication of many citizens who own septic tanks that the Septic Tank  Law (commonly known as SB550) which mandated septic tank inspections on 2.7 million people was repealed in the Senate and the House today.
 
Read the full language here: http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2012/1263/Amendment/538152/PDF  Summary:Even though this bill does set certain statutes for septic tank inspection ordinances, they only apply to those counties with Magnitude One Springs. The language does allow those counties to opt out by following a certain procedure. Any county without a Magnitude One Springs will not have to do anything. If a county should wish to adopt an ordinance in the future they will have to follow the statues set in this bill. This is a good bill for homeowners.
 
What happened:

SB820 was not going to be allowed to be heard on the Senate floor which killed teh companion bill HB999.
Some very smart legislators (whom we will recognize after we compile the information) put the SB820/HB999 language into SB1824 and HB1263.
SB1824 was brought to the Senate floor 03/08 and “laid on table”. The Senate picked up HB1263 and voted on it, which also had the septic tank repeal language in it.
HB1263 was passed 03/09/12 in the Senate with a 31 to 9 vote, and went back to the House floor where it passed 86 to 29.
HB1263 – Ordered engrossed, then enrolled. Legislative meaning of Engrossed – “The version of a bill that incorporates adopted floor amendments. The revision is done in the house of origin and engrossed under the supervision of the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House.” Legislative meaning of Enrolled “Once a bill has passed, it is enrolled in the house of origin. After it has been enrolled and signed by officers of both houses, it is then sent to the Governor for action and transmittal to the Secretary of State. The version of the bill sent to the Governor is referred to as an enrolled bill.”
What happens now?
 
An act becomes a law when the Governor either approves it or fails to sign or veto it within the period specified in the State Constitution. An act can also become a law when a subsequent legislature overrides a veto by the Governor. While the legislature is in session, the constitution allows a 7-day period following presentation of a bill to the Governor within which to sign or veto the bill. If the legislature adjourns sine die before an act is presented to the Governor or while an act is in the Governor’s possession, the Governor has 15 days following the date of presentation in which to take action.
 
Share this information with those you know who have septic tanks. 
 
Submitted by: Sharon Glass
Issue Lead for Septic Tank Issue
The Tea Party Network

Florida Legislative Action: Renewable Energy Bills

You can help stop this legislative action that further threatens our free markets!

Take Action Against the Government Picking Winners and Losers in Energy

There are two bills moving through the legislature, SB 2094 and HB 7117, with the declared goal of increasing energy diversity in Florida by encouraging development of renewable energy projects through incentives and tax breaks.
Read more about the issue and email your elected officials here:

 http://www.kintera.org/c.dvKQIcO0IkJ6H/b.6645695/k.8CA5/Action_Center/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=dvKQIcO0IkJ6H&b=6645695&aid=517249&tr=y&auid=10336400#ixzz1n8er2PIF

New Video Illustrates the Ridiculous Size of Florida’s Bureaucracy

For Immediate Release – Thursday, February 23, 2012
Contact: Slade O’Brien (561) 441-5866 or sobrien@afphq.org

New Video Illustrates the Ridiculous Size of Florida’s Bureaucracy
Shows the over-reaching influence of government in every day lives of Floridians

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida chapter of Americans for Prosperity, the nation’s premier economic freedom advocate, released a video this afternoon illustrating the size of Florida’s government. The video details every government agency, commission, advisory board and appointed position in Florida, showing exactly how burdensome and far-reaching the size of government can be.

“The number one thing that government can do to encourage economic growth and job creation is to get out of the way,” said Slade O’Brien, AFP-Florida State Director. “Our new video demonstrates how large Florida’s government bureaucracy has become. It is vitally important that our elected officials address this issue by eliminating the excessive boards, commissions and positions that have been created through years of unnecessary government expansion.”

Mr. O’Brien continued, “The average citizen may not realize the sheer scope and size of Florida’s government but this video makes a clear statement that the situation is out of control. Too many unelected bureaucrats have too much say in our lives and it is time for the Governor and legislature, who are elected, to do something about it.”

For further comments and questions, contact Slade O’Brien at (561) 441-5866 or sobrien@afphq.org.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP is more than 1.9 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states. AFP has 34 state chapters and affiliates. More than 90,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial contribution to AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

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Tally Rally – Please Bring Your Tickets With You

Here’s the latest agenda and info on the trip. Keep checking in case there are any more updates.

Please Bring Your Tickets With You.

(There will be late registration at the Capitol building)

 

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Questions? Call Alan at (407) 353-5758 Cell

Important! Bring this number with you in case you need to call me while we are in Tallahassee

Important: Click here to open and print the PDF file of this agenda.

See you on the bus or in Tally!

Patriot Days at the Capitol

AGENDA for Bus 3 – The Villages/Ocala/Gainesville

AFP Field Rep/Bus Captain – Todd Parrish (407) 335-9957

February 15-16, 2012

IMPORTANT: ALL BUS TIMES LISTED BELOW ARE DEPARTURE TIMES. PLEASE ARRIVE AT INDICATED DEPARTURE POINTS AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THESE TIMES FOR LOADING.

Wednesday, February 15th:

8:45 AM – Depart Bus Stop
Walmart
17861 US HWY 441
Summerfield, FL 34491

10:00 AM – Depart Bus Stop
Petro Travel Store
7401 W. Highway 318
Reddick, FL 32686

10:45 AM – Depart Bus Stop
Stein Mart Parking Lot
W Newberry Rd. & NW 62nd St.
Note: This address is technically 6111 NW 8th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32605

11:30 AM – Box Lunches will be Provided on the Bus

1:00 PM – Patriots arrive in Tallahassee, behind Capitol on South Duval Street

1:30 PM – Rally in Tally (A coalition of Tea Party and Patriot Organizations from across the state committed to Limited Government, Fiscal Restraint, and Free Markets), Old Capitol Steps

2:45 PM-3:45 PM – Individual Meetings with Legislators, Florida State Capitol

4:00 PM – Meet your Bus for Departure, behind Capitol on South Duval Street (same as drop-off point) 4:15 PM – Bus Departs Capitol for La Quinta Inn Tallahassee North 2905 North Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 385-7172

4:45 PM – Hotel Check-in

6:00 PM – Bus Departs Hotel for Dinner

6:30 PM – AFP Reception and Dinner with Special Guest and Elected Officials, North Florida Fairgrounds, Building 2
aaaaa6:30 PM – Reception
aaaaa7:15 PM – Dinner
*Attire for the reception/dinner is CASUAL (jeans are encouraged). Patriots will take buses back to their hotels after dinner.

Thursday, February 16th:

7:30 AM – Check out of Hotel and Begin Loading Bus

8:00 AM – Bus Departs from Hotel

8:30 AM-12:00 PM (Option 1)- Breakout Sessions, the Old Capitol’s Senate Chamber
*You will receive a full schedule of the Breakout Sessions in your “Patriot Packet” on the bus trip up.

8:30 AM-12:00 PM (Option 2)- Individual Meetings with Legislators, Florida State Capitol

12:00 PM – Lunch on Your Own (or you may get lunch to-go, which you can eat on the bus)

1:30 PM – Meet your Bus for Departure, behind Capitol on South Duval Street (same as drop-off point)

2:00 PM – Bus Departs from Capitol for Trip Home

Important: Click here to open and print the PDF file of this agenda.

Americans for Prosperity Tally Rally * Latest Info

Here’s the latest agenda and info on the trip.  Keep checking in case there are any more updates.

Questions?  Call Alan at (407) 353-5758 Cell

Important!  Bring this number with you in case you need to call me while we are in Tallahassee

Important:  Click here to open and print the PDF file of this agenda.

See you on the bus or in Tally!

Patriot Days at the Capitol

AGENDA for Bus 3 – The Villages/Ocala/Gainesville

AFP Field Rep/Bus Captain – Todd Parrish (407) 335-9957

February 15-16, 2012

IMPORTANT: ALL BUS TIMES LISTED BELOW ARE DEPARTURE TIMES. PLEASE ARRIVE AT INDICATED DEPARTURE POINTS AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THESE TIMES FOR LOADING.

Wednesday, February 15th:

8:45 AM – Depart Bus Stop
Walmart
17861 US HWY 441
Summerfield, FL 34491

10:00 AM – Depart Bus Stop
Petro Travel Store
7401 W. Highway 318
Reddick, FL 32686

10:45 AM – Depart Bus Stop
Stein Mart Parking Lot
W Newberry Rd. & NW 62nd St.
Note: This address is technically 6111 NW 8th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32605

11:30 AM – Box Lunches will be Provided on the Bus

1:00 PM – Patriots arrive in Tallahassee, behind Capitol on South Duval Street

1:30 PM – Rally in Tally (A coalition of Tea Party and Patriot Organizations from across the state committed to Limited Government, Fiscal Restraint, and Free Markets), Old Capitol Steps

2:45 PM-3:45 PM – Individual Meetings with Legislators, Florida State Capitol

4:00 PM – Meet your Bus for Departure, behind Capitol on South Duval Street (same as drop-off point) 4:15 PM – Bus Departs Capitol for La Quinta Inn Tallahassee North 2905 North Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 385-7172

4:45 PM – Hotel Check-in

6:00 PM – Bus Departs Hotel for Dinner

6:30 PM – AFP Reception and Dinner with Special Guest and Elected Officials, North Florida Fairgrounds, Building 2
aaaaa6:30 PM – Reception
aaaaa7:15 PM – Dinner
*Attire for the reception/dinner is CASUAL (jeans are encouraged). Patriots will take buses back to their hotels after dinner.

Thursday, February 16th:

7:30 AM – Check out of Hotel and Begin Loading Bus

8:00 AM – Bus Departs from Hotel

8:30 AM-12:00 PM (Option 1)- Breakout Sessions, the Old Capitol’s Senate Chamber
*You will receive a full schedule of the Breakout Sessions in your “Patriot Packet” on the bus trip up.

8:30 AM-12:00 PM (Option 2)- Individual Meetings with Legislators, Florida State Capitol

12:00 PM – Lunch on Your Own (or you may get lunch to-go, which you can eat on the bus)

1:30 PM – Meet your Bus for Departure, behind Capitol on South Duval Street (same as drop-off point)

2:00 PM – Bus Departs from Capitol for Trip Home

Important:  Click here to open and print the PDF file of this agenda.

Americans for Prosperity Tallahassee Rally, Wed, Feb 15!

Join us in Tallahassee on Feb. 15th and 16th at the Capitol. There will be speakers, informative breakout learning sessions and opportunities to meet with representatives. The exact program is not yet finalized, but includes as of now: Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips, State of Florida CFO Jeff Atwater, Constitutional Attorney Kris Ann Hall, Representative Scott Plakon and Steve Banyon – producer and director of Tea Party Trilogy and Undefeated, a film about the media and establishment’s take down Sarah Palin. Groups that will be presenting in addition to Americans for Prosperity include the James Madison Institute, the Heartland Institute, and the Foundation for Government Accountability (healthcare). Americans for Prosperity is also providing  a dinner event.

You will have the opportunity to print your free ticket when you register below. Just select the last choice on the sign-up form to indicate that you will be driving on your own. Please email me at alan@gainesvilleteaparty.org or call (407) 353-5758 after you register so I may keep a local count or if you have any questions and so that I can communicate the final details of the trip. For those who have already reserved their seat on the bus, the pickup location is the Stein Mart parking lot on Newberry Rd and NW 62nd St. beside the Oaks Mall.  Bus will arrive at 10:30 a.m.  and depart at 10:45.

 

Great Pre-Registration – Busses Full! - But Still Attend! Drive or Carpool.

 That’s right.  The bus serving The Villages, Ocala and Gainesville has filled to capacity, but you may still sign up and print your tickets for this trip right here, right now.

For those who have seats on the bus:  See pickup/parking location and departure time below.

 Hotel Information:  While the expiration date for the Americans for Prosperity group discount has passed, you might still be able to get it if you ask (beg or plead).  The good news for those who are driving is that since you won’t be depending on a bus for transportation while you are in Tallahassee, you can stay at any hotel you choose.  Scroll down to a list of hotels at the bottom of the signup form.  Of course you may choose a hotel that isn’t on the list.  Hurry, rooms are filling up fast!

Important Notice for those who are driving on their own whether you have already registered or not:  Please call or email me (see above) with your contact information so that I may advise you of latest meetup times, dinner location, etc., etc.

Let’s have a strong turnout in Tallahassee and show our state that the Tea Party is alive and well! Don’t delay. 

Click here for details and to register today

 

Below is the schedule for Patriot Days at the Capitol:

Wednesday, February 15^th:

1:30 PM – Rally in Tally (A coalition of Tea Party and Patriot Organizations from across the State committed to Limited Government, Fiscal Restraint, and Free Markets), Old Capitol Steps

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Individual Meetings with Legislators, schedule your appointments ahead of time!

6:30 PM – AFP Reception and Dinner with Special Guest and Elected Officials, Shiloh Farm and Barn

Thursday, February 16^th:

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Breakout Sessions, the Old Capitol’s Senate Chamber

*Speakers will cover issues including the Constitution, Economic Freedom and the policies being addressed by the Legislature.

Space is filling up fast so make sure to register now!

Americans for Prosperity: Join Them to Fight New State Taxes!!

A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE DIRECTOR

The Florida Legislature is now in its fourth week of the 2012 Session and although most of the country had its eyes on the Florida primary this week, we have our eyes focused on Tallahassee.  The issue of the day is taxes, taxes, and more taxes!!

We are fortunate in Florida to not have a state income tax. However, our elected officials often make up for this by increasing sales, property, and use taxes. In a year where they have to fill a nearly $2 billion shortfall we were bound to see some proposed tax increases.

The Senate has confirmed our fears and on Thursday they will be proposing a new tax on Internet purchases. It is important that your elected officials know that you will not sit idly by while they impose a new tax on you and your families. We’re also asking you to contact your legislators to support the Local Business Tax Repeal currently costing Florida businesses $164 million a year. Last, but certainly not least, is a video about the hidden Hurricane Tax that we are all at risk of paying if we get hit with a major storm.

Remember we can complain to one another about the problems going on, but it’s only when we act by telling our elected leaders what we think that we are making an impact!

Yours in Liberty,

Slade O’Brien

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TAKE ACTION AGAINST NEW TAXES: VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO
AN INTERNET SALES TAX

During a full-fledged recession, leave it to the Florida Legislature to propose a new tax – and one that they have questionable constitutional authority to enact.  On Thursday morning the Senate Subcommittee on Finance and Tax, chaired by Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, will propose SB 7206 for consideration.  This bill would institute a new sales tax on Internet purchases if the retailer uses affiliates or referrals in the state.  This bill aims to tax transactions by companies like Amazon, and has been proposed in a number of other states.  

Click here to read AFP’s letter in opposition to SB 7206.

Despite what the bills proponents would like people to think, it will in fact harm Floridians by eliminating revenue for those companies that refer business.  Similar proposals have also failed to bring in the revenue wind-fall many claimed they would.  

To sum it up – SB 7206 is a tax increase through and through and we must put a stop to this bad bill!

TAKE ACTION ON SB 7206 NOW!

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TAKE ACTION: TELL THE LEGISLATURE TO REPEAL LOCAL BUSINESS TAXES

The Florida Legislature has stalled two very important bills – HB 1063 by Rep. Marlene O’Toole and SB 760 by Sen. Alan Hays. These bills will repeal the current statutory authority that allows local governments to implement taxes on anyone who operates or engages in business in their jurisdiction. These local business taxes currently amount to a $164 million tax each year for Florida’s businesses.

These taxes are bad for business and bad for jobs. They need to be repealed.

Tell Your Elected Leaders to Support These Good Bills!

TAKE ACTION ON HB 1063 & SB 760 TODAY!

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    ISSUE HIGHLIGHT – A HIDDEN HURRICANE TAX

Below is a video that describes how and why the Cat Fund was created and the current risk all Floridians face because of the fund’s $3.2 billion shortfall. The video illustrates how the “hurricane taxes” associated with the Cat Fund will financially burden all Floridians should we be hit with a major storm.

This video was produced as part of an effort to support important Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (Cat Fund) reform legislation proposed by Sen. J.D. Alexander (R-Lake Wales) and Rep. Bill Hager (R-Boca Raton).

The CAT Fund Reform bills -Senate Bill 1372 and House Bill 833 – are supported by AFP-FL along with various business, nonprofit and consumer groups. 

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SUPPORT AFP-FLORIDA’S WORK

If you like the work that AFP and AFP-Florida are doing, help advance our efforts to promote economic freedom and liberty by making a contribution.

Make a contribution to AFP-Florida

NEW INFO *** AFP Tally Rally, Feb. 15/16 *** NEW INFO

Great Pre-Registration – Busses Full – Just Drive or Carpool.

For those who have seats on the bus:  See pickup/parking location and departure time below.

That’s right.  The bus serving The Villages, Ocala and Gainesville has filled to capacity, but you may still sign up and print your tickets for this trip right here, right now.

Join us in Tallahassee on Feb. 15th and 16th at the Capitol. Americans for Prosperity is providing  a dinner event, breakout sessions speakers and discounted hotel rates. You will have the opportunity to print your free ticket when you register below. Just select the last choice on the sign-up form to indicate that you will be driving on your own. Please email me at alan@gainesvilleteaparty.org or call (407) 353-5758 after you register so I may keep a local count or if you have any questions and so that I can communicate the final details of the trip. For those who have already reserved their seat on the bus, the pickup location is the Stein Mart parking lot on Newberry Rd and NW 62nd St. beside the Oaks Mall.  Bus will arrive at 10:30 a.m.  and depart at 10:45.

Hotel Information:  While the expiration date for the Americans for Prosperity group discount has passed, you might still be able to get it if you ask (beg or plead).  The good news for those who are driving is that since you won’t be depending on a bus for transportation while you are in Tallahassee, you can stay at any hotel you choose.  Scroll down to a list of hotels at the bottom of the signup form.  Of course you may choose a hotel that isn’t on the list.  Hurry, rooms are filling up fast!

Important Notice for those who are driving on their own whether you have already registered or not:  Please call or email me (see above) with your contact information so that I may advise you of latest meetup times, dinner location, etc., etc.

There will be speakers, informative breakout learning sessions and opportunities to meet with representatives. The exact program is not yet finalized, but includes as of now: Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips, State of Florida CFO Jeff Atwater, Constitutional Attorney Kris Ann Hall, Representative Scott Plakon and Steve Banyon – producer and director of Tea Party Trilogy and Undefeated, a film about the media and establishment’s take down Sarah Palin. Groups that will be presenting in addition to Americans for Prosperity include the James Madison Institute, the Heartland Institute, and the Foundation for Government Accountability (healthcare).

Let’s have a strong turnout in Tallahassee and show our state that the Tea Party is alive and well! Don’t delay. Buses and rooms are filling up fast!

Click here for details and to register today

Below is the schedule for Patriot Days at the Capitol:

Wednesday, February 15^th:

1:30 PM – Rally in Tally (A coalition of Tea Party and Patriot Organizations from across the State committed to Limited Government, Fiscal Restraint, and Free Markets), Old Capitol Steps

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Individual Meetings with Legislators, schedule your appointments ahead of time!

6:30 PM – AFP Reception and Dinner with Special Guest and Elected Officials, Shiloh Farm and Barn

Thursday, February 16^th:

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Breakout Sessions, the Old Capitol’s Senate Chamber

*Speakers will cover issues including the Constitution, Economic Freedom and the policies being addressed by the Legislature.

Space is filling up fast so make sure to register now!

Septic Tank Bill Picks Up Steam

 A bill to repeal a statewide septic tank inspection program is gaining ground in the state Legislature, having unanimously passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee yesterday.

Sponsored by state Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, Senate Bill 820 aims to repeal an inspection program established in 2010 and replace it with “an optional, standard septic system inspection program for all counties and municipalities to be administered by county health departments.”

Click on this link for the full article by Virginia Chamlee in The Florida Independent. 

   http://floridaindependent.com/63532/charlie-dean-septic-tank-bill

Americans For Prosperity: Tracking Florida Legislative Issues

From Slade O’Brien, State Director of Americans For Prosperity:

 ”We are wasting no time at AFP-FL in gearing up for all that is happening in 2012.
The Florida Legislature goes into session today and the next 60 days are going to be extremely important as your elected officials struggle to fill a $2 billion shortfall. There are already tax increases being proposed in an effort to generate more revenue, and we are going to be counting on you to help us fight against these and many other anti-free market and pro-big government initiatives.
We have already identified a number of important issues that will be coming up this year in which special interests counter those of you and I. Elected officials may be inclined to increase regulations and government oversight unless you speak up and tell them you won’t stand for it. AFP-FL will continue fighting against government picking winners and losers in business and protecting the taxpayer.

The 2012 legislative session starts today in Tallahassee and AFP-FL will once again be working to keep elected officials in check. We will be using our www.keepemhonestflorida.com website to communicate with you about our 2102 and providing you with tools to be effective.
The Keep ‘Em Honest™ website includes:
Our 2012 legislative priorities
Detailed policy information by subject
An interactive bill tracking that allows you to see up-to-date information on each bill including bill language, amendments and where it is in the process
The “Capitol Report” blog providing you details about what is happening each week in committees and session
Access to State and Federal Action Alerts that allow you to email your elected officials on the issues important to you
Bookmark the Keep ‘Em Honest™ Florida website to stay informed about what is going on in Tallahassee and what you can do to have an impact on the decisions being made.

I look forward to what we hope will be a successful session for liberty and encouraging free-markets, lower taxes, and smaller government.”
Yours in liberty,
Slade O’Brien

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