Crist Speaks on Tax Resolution

Gov. Charlie Crist said Monday that the Legislature should resolve property tax issues, not leave them to a constitutional panel that is taking a broader look at Florida's taxation and budget systems. Crist and lawmakers have promised to cut soaring property taxes and make them fairer in response to taxpayer protests, but they were unable to get that done during the Legislature's regular 60-day session, which ended last Friday.

The governor, though, said he hoped the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which is meeting this year and next, would have "as little as possible" to do on those issues. The Legislature will try again during a June 12-22 special session called by House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, and Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie. The Florida Constitution requires the commission to be formed this year and again every 20 years thereafter. It has the power to put proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot but also can make recommendations to the governor and Legislature. Its next meeting is May 18 in Tallahassee. Crist said he met with or called about 50 legislators over the weekend to discuss property taxes. He said he told them "We need to get this done." Crist also has consulted with former Gov. Reubin Askew, who advised him not to worry that lawmakers failed to resolve it during the regular session because they could either get it done in special session or leave it to the constitutional commission.

Posted by Donald Urschalitz P.A. at May 8, 2007 07:55 PM