January 7, 2008

Dear Friends:  

Today I was joined by a coalition of homeowners, representatives from the business community and local government officials in supporting Amendment 1 with the kick off the Yes on 1- Save our Homes NOW.  Like you, these individuals feel Amendment 1 is a fair and simple solution to rising property taxes and a diminishing housing market. I believe you know how to spend your money better then the government does and you deserve to keep more of it.  

Joined by homeowners, Elizabeth and Keith Markowitz, our coalition listened to their personal story as they explained the benefits they would receive from the Amendment 1 tax cuts. Like many Americans, the Markowitzs had dreamed of building their own home, but could not afford the higher property taxes they would face. However, with the passage of Amendment 1, the Markowitz family would be able to transfer more than $93,000 from their Save our Homes portability benefit, saving nearly $2,000 on their annual tax bill.    

The Markowitz family is not alone and millions of Floridians are trapped in their homes by rising property taxes. With Amendment 1, Floridians will have to option to move, seniors will be able to downsize, and business owners will find relief from rising property values. The bottom line is citizens should not be taxed out of their homes.  

I would like to personally thank Steve Moreira, president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Mark Wilson, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber and Barney Bishop, President and CEO of The Associated Industries of Florida for attending todays event.  

More importantly, I would like to thank you for your continued support of Amendment 1. Without the voices of Florida homeowners, Amendment 1 would only be an idea. Floridians have the power to cut their property taxes in a historic way vote yes on 1 this Election Day, January 29th.  

To learn more about how Amendment 1 can lower your taxes, visit Yeson1Florida.com.