Opinion editorial written by Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie)
Word count: 430
We Floridians have seen our share of difficulties and disasters, yet time and time again we’ve overcome every challenge.
In 1992, our state was devastated by Hurricane Andrew, the economy was cooling, and we were faced with a $1 billion deficit. Florida pulled together, and over time we had a restored insurance market, an improved housing market, and a budget that went from deficits to hundreds of millions in surpluses.
On September 11, 2001, acts of terrorism sent a financial and emotional ripple across thousands of miles. Florida’s tourism industry was nearly shut down and our state economy suffered greatly. Our response was swift: we made tough budget cuts, rejected tax increases, and in a short time experienced a revitalization marked by substantial economic growth and prosperity in Florida.
Today, we are again in the midst of difficult circumstances: high property taxes, 8 major hurricanes in 24 months that turned our insurance market upside-down, and an economy turbulently bumping through a time of correction. The need for relief is real and expectations are high. The cynics would have you believe that we are on a downward spiral with no chance of recovery, but they are wrong. We have hope.
Under the strong and proactive leadership of Governor Crist, we are meeting the challenges head-on. It’s only been two months since the initial wave of tax relief passed, yet for the first time in several years most property owners have seen a drop in their taxes - a stark contrast to the double digit spikes that have devastated so many homeowners across the state. Is it enough relief? No. Have we realized the full benefit of these changes? Not yet.
This January, voters will have the opportunity to authorize further tax reductions and mandate a tax cap on local governments. Floridians will be given an active role in the effort to lower their taxes.
While the message may not be popular, it must be told: a turn around in the real estate market, lower insurance rates and lower property taxes are going to take time. Our state, like a trauma patient, was in crisis. Like a doctor, we needed to do everything we could to stop the bleeding before healing could take place. Florida will recover from the problems brought on by an economic downturn and natural disasters. The policies and changes that are in place have already yielded initial relief, and I am confident that the benefits will only increase.
Floridians will optimistically pull together as we have time and time again. I truly believe our best days are ahead.