Florida has dueling tax cut plans. Is compromise coming?

The big story: Debate over the future of Florida’s taxing system took some added twists and turns Monday, as state government leaders aimed to get in front of the debate.Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has proposed doing away with the property taxes that undergird public education funding, floated the idea of a one-time rebate for each homesteaded property. In his announcement, DeSantis stressed that the offer would still maintain full school district funding “while easing the burden on Florida’s families.”He called on lawmakers to pave the way for the rebates, which he said would average about $1,000, while waiting for a longer-term solution in the form of a statewide referendum to eliminate property taxes.Senate President Ben Albritton praised DeSantis for what he called an “innovative concept,” saying he liked the idea of providing immediate relief to homesteaded property owners. He added that he also appreciated the recent House proposal of permanently slashing the state sales tax. Then came the cold water.“At the end of the day, I’m not comfortable passing a budget that is balanced for this year, but likely creates major shortfalls down the road,” the Senate president said in a memo to senators. “Cutting waste and inefficiency plays an important role in responsible spending; however, there is a cost associated with maintaining our transportation, clean water, and health care infrastructure, ensuring universal school choice for every family, hurricane response and recovery, and of course public safety. We owe it to taxpayers to get this right.”He said he would welcome conversations toward a compromise that can create tax relief alongside sound financial planning. School and other local government officials are keeping close watch over where the discussion about a possible $5 billion funding reduction lands. Read more here . University efficiency: State efficiency employees have informed university officials that they’ll be showing up on campus to begin their reviews in the coming weeks, Florida Politics reports. Tenure track: University of Florida professors and administrators have questioned whether Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has lived up to expectations as a tenured faculty member , the Independent Florida Alligator reports. Superintendents: Broward County superintendent Howard Hepburn could see his contract extended through 2030, the Sun-Sentinel reports. School volunteers: A large often vocal group of Broward County school volunteers are accusing the district of attempting to silence them , the Sun-Sentinel reports. President searches: A Senate committee advanced legislation to return university and college president searches to the public eye, Politico Florida reports. The issue has been a priority in the House. Micro-schools: A Hernando County kindergarten teacher is preparing to renovate and restore an historic building for use as a micro-school , Hernando Sun reports. Cellphones: A bill that would create a pilot program to study full cellphone bans during the school day advanced in the Senate, Florida Politics reports. The House has a bill that would implement a ban rather than study it. Book challenges: The Duval County school board will discuss whether to return a novel that discusses parental incest back to school libraries , after having it removed two years ago, the Florida Times-Union reports. Benefits: The Martin County school board will protect promised insurance benefits for retired teachers , but might end the program for educators who retire after June 30, TC Palm reports. From the police blotter ... A Palm Beach County middle school teacher was arrested on accusations of having inappropriate contact with a minor , WPTV reports. • A Polk County charter school principal was arrested on accusations of “skip scanning” at a Walmart self-checkout, WFLA reports. The principal was placed on administrative leave. • Most of the $847,000 stolen from the Citrus County school district in a fraud scheme has been recovered , the Citrus County Chronicle reports. From the court docket ... A federal judge heard arguments over a challenge to Florida’s ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and courses at state colleges and universities, Florida Phoenix reports. • Drivers in Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties seeking to challenge school bus camera citations remain unable to get a hearing, WFTS reports. Today in Tallahassee ... The Senate Rules Committee will consider SB 248 on extracurricular sports when it meets at 9 a.m. • The House PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee will consider four bills including HB 257 on video cameras in classrooms and HB 1403 on school security when it meets at 12:30 p.m. • The House Higher Education Budget Subcommittee will consider two bills when it meets at 1 p.m. • The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider SB 1288 on parental rights when it meets at 4 p.m. • The House Student Academic Success Subcommittee will take up HB 1483 on school grades and HB 1565 on school choice when it meets at 4 p.m. Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup . Before you go ... Happy April. You only prank the ones you love?

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Florida has dueling tax cut plans. Is compromise coming?

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Florida has dueling tax cut plans. Is compromise coming?

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