Governor DeSantis provided very sound advice for all government entities. He stated in a veto letter, “Governments should strive to do more with less, It can be done and my actions today cements that lesson for the nation.” Those words came from his in line-vetoed items letter resulting in Florida taxpayers saving $949.6 million from vetoed projects and items in The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget 2024-2025.

The Focus on Florida’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 is $116.5 billion less than the previous fiscal year with $17 billion remaining for budgetary reserves. The budget also focused on investing in Florida’s #1 in the nation education system, support for law and order, disaster preparedness, economic development, and environmental conservation. However, most importantly, it provided tax relief for hardworking Florida taxpayers in the amount of $1.5 billion for the coming fiscal year.

The tax relief came in four sales tax holidays and with skyrocketing and all-time high inflation it will help Floridians have a little money left at the end of the month. The Back-to-School Holiday is from July 29 through August 11, 2024, and is estimated to save Florida families $289 million on clothing, footwear, wallets and backpacks under $100, school supplies up to $50, learning aids, jigsaw puzzles up to $30 and personal computers and accessories up to $1,500.

The Freedom Month Holiday from July 1 through July 31, 2024 the following items are taxed exempted: “A live music event scheduled to be held between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024; A live sporting event scheduled to be held between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024;  A movie shown in a movie theater between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024;  Entry to a museum, including annual passes;  Entry to state parks, including annual passes;  Entry to a ballet, play, or musical theatre performance scheduled to be held between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.; Season tickets to ballet, play, music events, or musical theatre performances; Entry to a fair, festival, or cultural event scheduled to be held between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024; and Use of or access to gyms and physical fitness facilities between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.” Also the following items are exempted: “Boating and Water Activity Supplies – life jackets, coolers, paddles, and oars selling for $75 or less; recreational pool tubes, pool floats, inflatable chairs, and pool toys selling for $35 or less; safety flares selling for $50 or less; water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable tubes or floats capable of being towed selling for $150 or less; paddleboards and surfboards selling for $300 or less; canoes and kayaks selling for $500 or less; snorkels, goggles, and swimming masks selling for $25 or less. Camping Supplies- tents selling for $200 or less; sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, and collapsible camping chairs selling for $50 or less; camping lanterns or flashlights selling for $30 or less; fishing supplies – rods and reels selling for $75 or less, if sold individually, or selling for $150 or less if sold as a set; tackle boxes or bags selling for $30 or less; bait or fishing tackle selling for $5 or less, if sold per item, or selling for $10 or less if multiple items are sold together; general outdoor supplies – sunscreen or insect repellant selling for less than $15 or less; sunglasses selling for $100 or less; binoculars selling for $200 or less; water bottles selling for $30 or less; hydration packs selling for $50 or less; outdoor gas or charcoal grills selling for $250 or less; bicycle helmets selling for $50 or less; and bicycles selling for $500 or less; residential pool supplies – individual residential pool and spa replacement parts, nets, filters, lights, and covers selling for $100 or less; and residential pool and spa chemicals purchased by an individual selling for $150 or less; electric scooters weighing less than 75 pounds, that are less than 2 feet wide and are designed for a maximum speed of less than 35 miles per hour, selling for $500 or less.

The Skilled Workers Sales Tax Holiday from September 1 through September 7, 2024, will provide savings on skilled workers’ tools and equipment needed for work. The following items were listed as tax exempted; “hand tools selling for $50 or less; power tools selling for $300 or less; power tool batteries selling for $150 or less; work gloves selling for $25 or less; safety glasses selling for $50 or less; protective coveralls selling for $50 or less; work boots selling for $175 or less; tool belts selling for $100 or less; duffle/tote bags selling for $50 or less; tool boxes selling for $75 or less; tool boxes for vehicles selling for $300 or less; industry text books and code books selling for $125 or less; electrical voltage and testing equipment selling for $100 or less; LED flashlights selling for $50 or less; shop lights selling for $100 or less; handheld pipe cutters, drain opening tools, and plumbing inspection equipment selling for $150 or less; shovels selling for $50 or less; rakes selling for $50 or less; hard hats and other head protection selling for $100 or less; hearing protection items selling for $75 or less; ladders selling for $250 or less; fuel cans selling for $50 or less; and high visibility safety vest selling for $30 or less.”

Hope you will take advantage of the sales tax exemptions and save a little money thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature.

You would think that if the State Government is flourishing and experiencing monumental reserves that each county within that state would experience the piggyback effect of its success and long term planning. You might even surmise that if the State Government is vetoing items and cutting taxes for Floridians that the counties would follow that strategic plan. When state government provides a long-term plan to help Floridians with tax exemptions and the Governor vetoed $949 million projects which don’t align with the long-term plan to help struggling Floridians, pay down debt and maintain an enormous level of reserves, you would think that county government might use those goals as a model to help its citizens. As Governor DeSantis stated, “my actions today cements that lesson for the nation” Well I guess our county didn’t get the lesson, they increased property taxes ½ mill and gas tax by 5 cents. What about cuts to the budget and veto budget items…… hum, maybe the Governor needs to make a visit to teach a basic economic lesson here.

Remember all this in August and November 2024 when you vote. Our county’s future is at stake, and you will determine its next trajectory.

I will leave you with those thoughts and that concludes this week’s The Straight Truth With Mary Ann Hutton.

Online link for voter registration or registration updates here: www.votejacksonfl.gov/Register-to-Vote