On Thursday, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released its “Voter Guide to Florida’s Constitutional Amendments” providing taxpayers with analysis and voting recommendations for each of the six proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot during the 2020 general election.
In analyzing each proposed amendment, FTW considered the impact of the amendment, the arguments made by parties both for and against its implementation, the amendment’s fiscal impact on Florida taxpayers, and its appropriateness as a constitutional amendment. As a part of the 2020 Voter Guide, FTW also includes the full text of each proposed amendment and a notes page for voters to jot down their own thoughts on these issues and take it with them to the polls.
Former state Sen. Pat Neal, the chairman of FTW, weighed in on the guide on Thursday.
“The six amendments before Florida voters on this year’s ballot have the power to significantly change the way Floridians vote and amend our laws, alter how Florida’s large and small companies do business, and revise homestead property tax benefits. Each of the amendments under consideration is consequential and Florida TaxWatch is proud to again provide the in-depth analysis needed to help educate our fellow citizens in preparation for Election Day,” Neal said.
“The Florida Constitution is our state’s fundamental organic law and Florida TaxWatch strongly believes that its contents should be limited to matters that are essential to the wellbeing and governance of our state and its taxpayers. In offering this voter guide, we are proud to provide Florida taxpayers with the thoughtful and thorough analysis they need to make informed decisions on the issues before them. As we prepare for the 2020 general election, Florida TaxWatch encourages all voters to do their part to educate themselves on local and state ballot issues and make their voices heard with their informed vote,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic Calabro.
Florida TaxWatch also released its “Constitutional Amendment Voting Recommendations” which are as follows:
Amendment 1: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections
FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: NO
Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage
FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: NO
Amendment 3: All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet
FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES
Amendment 4: Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments
FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES
Amendment 5: Limitations on Homestead Property Tax Assessments; Increased Portability Period to Transfer Accrued Benefit
FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES
Amendment 6: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities
FLORIDA TAXWATCH RECOMMENDATION: YES
“Proposed constitutional amendments numbers 1 through 4, which deal with citizenship requirements to vote, minimum wage, voting in primary elections, and voter approval of constitutional amendments, respectively, have been placed on the November ballot by citizens’ initiatives. Proposed constitutional amendments numbers 5 and 6, which deal with the transfer of homestead property tax discounts and the transfer of Save Our Homes portability, respectively, have been placed on the November ballot by joint resolutions of the Florida Legislature,” FTW noted.
To pass on the November ballot, each amendment needs 60 percent support.
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