Dear Florida Federation of Garden Club Members: First: I urge you to VOTE November 4th. Second: I implore you to VOTE YES ON AMENDMENT 1. Unfortunately there seems to be some incorrect and misleading information that has recently been brought to my attention. Since FFGC voted to become an active supporter of Amendment, there is a need to briefly respond and also share some history. Amendment 1 titled:: Water and Land Conservation --- Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands. This amendment was initiated through a citizen petition that FFGC members helped make possible by signing thousands of petitions. Over 700,00 signatures were obtained statewide. More than 50 Florida organizations have been actively supporting YES on 1. Your Vote on the 4th is the next positive step for Floridas future. HISTORY: The Federation has supported the intent of the ballots summary explanation since 1963 when The Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF) was initially created by the Florida Legislature. The LATF was designed to fund the Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Program, which would primarily purchase land for parks and recreation areas. Originally, the legislature allocated revenue from a 5% tax on outdoor clothing and equipment, including bathing suits. In 1968, the legislature abandoned the tax and funded the LATF through the sale of recreation bonds. These bonds were paid for by a documentary stamp tax on real estate transactions and financial documents. Between 1990-91 and 2008-09 Florida allocated at least $300 million annually to Forever Forever -- now the states leading preservation program. Sadly, since 2009, however, appropriations for the fund were slashed, with the trend continuing with a governors veto of a $305 million legislative appropriation for Florida Forever in the 2011 budget. FACTS: --- Amendment 1 would not force the Legislature to allocate a specific amount of money to acquisition and preservation, no matter the condition of Floridas economy. Instead, the state would be required to dedicate a percentage of doc stamp revenue, which declines during recessions and rises during real estate booms. --- Flexibility is built into the amendment. Use of the revenue would not be limited to purchasing land; it could be used for a variety of projects to protect and restore natural resources. --- It is not a tax. --- It would not affect the tax rate. State revenues would neither increase nor decrease, according to the Legislatures financial-impact statement. --- Amendment 1 is an expression of sound public policy, consistent with principles in the constitution. The Florida Constitution states: It shall be the policy of the state to conserve and protect its natural resources and scenic beauty. Adequate provision shall be made by law .. for the conservation and protection of natural resources. sent for Sue Angle/Marion Hilliard by Dawn Murphy
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 15:42:03 +0000
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