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
January 12, 2006
Source: Office of Representative Joe Negron
-- 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.
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