Effort to Defeat Florida Prop Tax Amendment Revs Up

December 17, 2007 – With the formation of the “Florida Is Our Home” ballot initiative committee, the movement to defeat Florida property tax reform -- otherwise known as Amendment 1 -- just got stronger. The committee will coordinate a statewide grassroots effort to defeat Amendment 1 on January 29, 2008.

Among the committee members is the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF). “This is about making sure that our citizens do not suffer a reduction or loss in fire, EMS and other important services,” says Bob Carver, president of FPF. “To this committee, we are already providing financial support, and will soon be offering manpower.”

Other committee members include: Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU, Florida Education Association, Florida PTA, Florida League of Women Voters, Florida ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), Human Services Coalition and Florida Alliance of Retired Americans.

Karen Woodall, a long-time social service advocate, is chairing “Florida Is Our Home.” “While proponents of the amendment are highlighting the fact that most homeowners may save some money, we want the voters to know that this is a misguided amendment,” states Woodall.

She adds, “It will hurt all aspects of life in Florida. Schools and public safety, parks and recreation programs, libraries and after school programs, and even public sanitation will suffer greatly if this initiative passes.”

Meanwhile, the FPF has launched its “Save Our Services” campaign. Since the January vote coincides with the state’s primary and not a general election, FPF will be focusing campaign efforts on voters who come out for every election. Florida fire fighters will be walking those precincts, letting those voters know to vote no on Amendment 1.