On Thursday, the Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released its 2020 Florida Taxpayers’ Voter Guide to Florida’s Constitutional Amendments providing taxpayers with independent analysis and voting recommendations for each of the six proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot during the 2020 general election.
The independent, nonpartisan taxpayer research institute analyzed each proposed amendment, considering 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.
“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,” Florida TaxWatch Chairman and former Florida State Senator Pat Neal said. “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.”
The 2020 guide 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.
“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,” Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said. “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.”
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
Each amendment must receive 60 percent support in order to pass.
To view the full guide, click HERE.