Sales
Tax Holiday Legislation Filed
January
12, 2006
Flanked
by both House and Senate legislators, Representative Joe
Negron announced the filing of HB
691 which would establish a one-week sales tax holiday on virtually
all taxable items. This proposed legislation is the largest single
tax cut in Florida history. With the surplus of revenues, Representative
Negron told the press that in the 2006 budget the House plans to
fund priorities, save for the future and give back to the taxpayers. Speaker Allan Bense also participated in the press
conference and told reporters that “Just because you collect the
tax dollars, does not mean that you have to spend it.”
Also attending the press
conference was Senator Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach) who will be filing the companion bill in the Senate. Along with Senator Atwater was Senator Mike Haridopolos
(R-Melbourne) who will be a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Both Senators made a point of saying they wanted to return some
of the tax dollars collected by the State of Florida back to its
citizens.
Below is a copy of the
press release and the proposed legislation.
House
Leaders Announce 2006 Sales Tax Holiday Week
January
12, 2006
Source: Office of Representative Joe Negron
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Propose largest single tax cut in Florida history – TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
–
Representative Joe Negron, joined by House
Speaker Allan Bense, Majority Leader Andy Gardiner and
others, today announced the filing of House Bill 691 that would establish
a one-week sales tax holiday on virtually all taxable items.
“I hope this bill sends the
message that we understand and appreciate how hard people work to provide
for their families,” said Rep. Negron, sponsor of the bill and Chairman
of the House Fiscal Council. “Thanks to their hard work, we have the money
we need to address the state’s priorities, so it’s time to return some
of it to the people of Florida.”
“When times are good, everyone
deserves to benefit,” said Speaker Bense. “I am proud of Joe Negron for
bringing forward an idea that will let people keep more of their hard-earned
money as well as provide a spark to keep Florida’s economy strong and
growing stronger.”
“I commend Chairman Negron
for fashioning a tax holiday that will be far-reaching and meaningful
to Florida’s taxpayers,” said Leader Gardiner. “I am a Reagan Republican
who believes that sound tax policy is rooted in reducing the tax burden.
When the tax burden is reduced, Floridians are the beneficiaries.”
The sales tax exemption, with
an estimated fiscal impact of approximately $500 million, would apply
to the sales price of anything purchased by an individual for personal
use and would include such items as clothing, furniture, televisions,
electronic equipment, computers, vehicles and numerous other items. There
would be a $5,000 cap per item.
