Prepare for more public-private sector hijinks in Florida. Scott proposing more tax-cuts.

[Baitball Blogger]

These things go hand in hand. Lowering taxes makes it less likely that government will be able to perform its due process duties. For example, less money for COMPETENT legal advice gives them the wiggle room to rely on the backdoor networks to get work done.

If I know one thing from living in Florida it is that local government and elected state officials hate due process of law. It just gets in the way of their wheeling and dealing when they have to connect with homeowners who are going to be most impacted by the decisions. Which is why they rely on their networks in the University think-tanks, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce to spread disinformation or use intimidation tactics to clear the way for whatever shenanigans are necessary to make the campaign donors happy.

It's all about waving the tax hand to get people's attention, while the other one connects with the cronies.

And based on the reader's comments, I'm not the only cynic in Florida.

Gov. Scott calls for $470 million tax cut

Rick Scott on Tuesday proposed a $470 million cut to a state tax that consumers pay on cell phones, landlines and TV services..

The Governor's Office said a family spending $100 a month on cell phones and cable or satellite TV would save about $43 annually from the reduction.

At a news conference at the Lake Mary Chamber of Commerce, the governor called on lawmakers to slash the tax during the upcoming regular session that starts March 3. Scott has said he wants to cut taxes by $1 billion in the next two years.

His proposal would cut more than a third of the money paid to the state in communication services taxes, which are split between local and state governments.

This is a breaking news story. Check back later for more.



http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-rick-scott-tax-cut-plan-20150120-story.html

[shenmue]

1. Oh sweet Jesus

Nothing like cell towers being down for months, like they were the last time they didn't repair them.

[Baitball Blogger]

3. Good point.

It never occurred to me that they would actually use those tax dollars for repair and maintenance of the cell towers. There are so many weasily things that go on in local government that improper dipping into the funds is just assumed.

[lpbk2713]

2. It might be worth while to follow the money trail here.

I'd expect to find a point where the Florida telcos have been greasing Scott's palm generously.