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Sep / Oct 2012 Message from the President “It is not our job to pro- Only 28% of Okaloosa County’s study the issues – be an informed tect the people from the registered voters cast a primary voter. consequences of their ballot. We can do better. See page Don’t miss the panel discussion on political choices.” 2 for details on voter registration. campaign financing on 22 Sep. Our Chief Justice John Roberts This issue describes the 11 ballot modest little county races attracted U.S. Supreme Court amendments proposed by the legis- lots of attention and money in the primary, often from outside ef lature. They want to cut taxes, but only for local government – no cuts sources. Get the details on page 2. Mary Wheat Hahn will affect state revenue. They also Finally, we bid a sad farewell to 1947-2012 want Amendment 3 approved so veteran board member, community they can avoid politically difficult Say not in grief “she is no booster and dear friend Mary Hahn. decisions on state spending. You more,” but live in thank- She’ll be in our hearts, always. will live with the consequences, so fulness that she was. Mary Blackwell Hebrew proverb Vaya con Dios, old friend Long-time Leaguer Mary Hahn lost career as an international consult- her 2-year battle with lung cancer ant training accountants in former on 20 Aug. Born in Louisville KY Communist countries across and raised near Houston TX, she Eurasia. Mary was a deacon and an was a graduate of Austin College elder in the First Presbyterian and the University of Houston in Church, Board Member of the Texas, and Northeastern University League of Women Voters, and in Boston MA. Mary practiced as a member of the American Institute Certified Public Accountant in of CPAs and FWB Chapter of the Boston before joining the Peace American Society of Women Corps in 1993 to serve on the first Accountants. She was also a skilled

small business development project weaver and member of the local In loving memory in Hungary. She then began a Weavers Guild. She will be missed. ef Proposed Constitutional Amendments Explained #1: Health Care Services with Republicans for and Democrats against. Synopsis: Amendment 1 is more of a political referendum than a mean- A vote YES on #1 would: ingful change to our Constitution. Ÿ Represent an attempt to opt Since the Supreme Court has out of federal health care upheld the federal government’s reform requirements right to impose the individual man- 9 Oct: Last day date, the passage or defeat of Ÿ Add language to the Florida Con- to register for the 6 Nov Amendment 1 may have no practi- stitution that could be found uncon- General Election cal implications other than to send stitutional under the Supremacy Early Voting: a message that a majority of Clause of the U.S. Constitution if 27 Oct – 3 Nov Florida’s voters are either for or determined by the courts to be in at Shalimar Courthouse against the individual mandate. conflict with federal law Annex, Niceville City Hall, Sponsor: The Prevent the Florida Legislature SoE Office & Bob Sikes Ÿ Library in Crestview Background: In 2010, shortly from passing health care coverage after the health care law’s passage, mandates independent of federal ef Florida lawmakers proposed a con- law League’s Mission: stitutional amendment to “nullify” A vote NO on #1 would: the individual mandate, claiming The League of Women the federal government over- Ÿ Mean that Florida should comply Voters is a nonpartisan stepped its authority by forcing with federal health care reform political organization that individuals to purchase insurance. requirements encourages informed and That proposal never made it to the active participation in Ÿ Ensure the Florida Constitution ballot. During the 2011 legislative government, works to does not conflict with the U.S. Con- session, Senate President Mike increase understanding of stitution regarding health care Haridopolos (R‐Merritt Island) and major public policy issues, coverage Rep. Scott Plakon (R‐Longwood) and influences public introduced this proposed amend- Ÿ Allow the enactment of potential policy through education ment. It passed the Senate and Florida laws that require health care and advocacy. House largely along party lines, coverage (cont’d on page 2)

The Voter is published bi-monthly by the League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County PO Box 4546 • Ft Walton Beach FL 32549 • www.lwvokaloosa.org

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Page 2 The Okaloosa Voter, Sep / Oct 2012 Proposed Constitutional Amendments Explained (cont’d) 2012-13 Calendar Voter Registration #2 : Veterans Disabled Due to #3: State Government Revenue Combat Injury; Homestead Limitation 10-11 Sep, 8-2:00pm Property Tax discount 12-13 Sep, noon-6:00pm Synopsis: In 1995 Florida capped Location: NWFSC, Student Synopsis: Amendment 2 relaxes the amount of revenue it can spend Services Center, Niceville; eligibility requirements for an annually from taxes and fees. Any breezeway between Bldgs 1 existing property tax discount excess revenue above the cap is to & 2, FWB. League and the offered to disabled veterans. Cur- be deposited in the state’s rainy NAACP will be registering rently, disabled veterans are eligible day fund or returned to taxpayers. voters at both campuses. for a property tax discount com- To date, state revenue collections To volunteer contact us at mensurate with the degree of their have never exceeded the cap. If [email protected] or disability if they are current Florida passed, Amendment 3 would call 621-4088. residents, aged 65 or older, were impose a stricter formula for calcu- disabled in combat, and were lating the revenue limit that is Campaign Financing Florida residents when they entered much more likely to affect govern- 22 Sep, 10:00-noon the military. Amendment 2 would ment spending. The new formula Location: Niceville City eliminate that fourth eligibility would be based on annual popula- Council Chambers, 208 N requirement. This proposed amend- tion growth and inflation instead of Partin Dr, Niceville. Join our ment would give that same tax personal income, which are con- panel discussion featuring break to veterans, age 65 and sidered less volatile and more likely Okaloosa SoE Paul Lux, older, who were disabled in combat to constrain growth in state reve- League lobbyist Ben Wilcox but living in another state when nues. Critics fear the strict revenue and FWB Tea Party Chair they entered the military if they are limits would affect spending on Henry Kelley to learn how now Florida residents. If passed, the necessary services like schools and this issue affects our state estimates that school districts public safety, claiming the proposed county. The meeting is free and local governments would lose amendment would result in allowa- and open to the public. roughly $15 million in tax revenues ble revenues 26% below pre‐reces- Ballot Amendments combined over the first 3 years. sion levels (2006‐07) by 2025. Sup- 20 Oct, 10:00-noon porters say the cap is needed to Sponsor: The Florida Legislature Location: Shalimar Town limit government spending. Hall, #2 Cherokee Rd, Background: Sen. Mike Bennett, R‐ Sponsor: The Florida Legislature Shalimar. There are 11 Bradenton, along with state Rep. proposed amendments on Doug Holder, R‐Sarasota, intro- Background: Beginning in 2008, the ballot for the 6 Nov duced resolutions during the 2011 several proposals similar to Amend- General Election. Learn all legislative session to place this pro- ment 3 were defeated in the Legis- about them and be ready to posed amendment on the lature. Senate President Mike choose with confidence by November 2012 ballot. This meas- Haridopolos (R‐Merritt Island) made attending this briefing. The ure won unanimous approval in the this proposal a priority of the 2011 meeting is free and open to House and Senate. session, and Rep. Stephen Precourt the public. (R‐Orlando) sponsored a companion A vote YES on #2 would: bill. Senate and House passed the Foreclosure Fraud • Give the existing homestead tax measure largely along party lines, 17 Nov, 10:00-noon exemption to disabled veterans (Republicans/pro; Democrats/anti). Location: TBD who were not Florida residents at Is your home in danger of A vote YES on Amendment 3 the time of entering military service “fraud-closure?” Do you would: know what a “clouded title” • Reduce property tax revenue for • Replace the existing state reve- is? Is this a serious prob- schools and local government ser- nue limitation based on personal lem in Okaloosa County? vices by an estimated $15 million income growth with a new, more Learn more about it from combined over the first 3 years of restrictive limitation based on forensic title investigator its implementation, and by an changes in population and inflation Rob Harrington. The meet- estimated $7.6 million each year ing is free and open to the thereafter • Restrict government revenue in public. good and poor economic times • Expand the property tax exemp- ef tion for some disabled veterans • Limit the Legislature’s ability to who are not currently eligible for a increase revenue beyond what the Florida Statutes on-line similar property tax exemption formula allows Florida’s laws are now on- line in plain language at A vote NO on #2 would: A vote NO on Amendment 3 http://www.sunshinestatut would: • Not expand the property tax es.com, thanks to the First exemption to disabled veterans who • Maintain the existing state reve- Amendment Foundation were not Florida residents at the nue limitation based on personal and the Florida Society of time of entering military service income growth News Editors. Emphasizing typography and reader- • Not reduce property tax revenue • Protect the state’s ability to pro- friendly links, the site’s goal for schools/local government ser- vide the current level of govern- is to give citizens immedi- vices by ~$15 million over 3 years ment services ate context when reading a • Not place a limitation on state • Preserve the Legislature’s current state law by providing links revenue in the Florida Constitution flexibility in responding to budget- to related statutes, schol- where it would be difficult to modify ary concerns and changing eco- arly reports and other or remove nomic conditions material.

League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County • PO Box 4546 • Ft Walton Beach FL 32549 • www.lwvokaloosa.org

The Okaloosa Voter, Sep / Oct 2012

#4: Property Tax Limitation; Property Value #5: State Courts Decline; Reduction for Non-Homestead Assessment Increases; Delay of Scheduled Synopsis: This proposed amendment would alter Repeal the balance of power among the judicial, legisla- tive and executive branches of government. Its Synopsis: This proposal would extend tax breaks most meaningful provision is the one granting the to property owners and to first‐ time homebuyers. state Senate confirmation power over appointees If passed, it would: 1) prevent the assessed value to the Florida Supreme Court. Currently, the gov- of homesteaded and specified non‐homesteaded ernor fills openings on the court by appointing a properties from increasing if the market value of nominee from a list presented by a judicial nomi- that property decreases compared to the previous nating commission. If passed, this amendment year. This would allow the Legislature to elimi- would allow the Senate to reject or approve nate a provision in the current law known as nominees. It would also give members of the “recapture,” which can cause the taxable value of state House of Representatives expanded access a property to rise even if its market value drops; to confidential files involving judges accused of 2) reduce from 10% to 5% the cap on annual misconduct, and would give lawmakers the right increases in the assessments of specified non‐ to repeal procedural court rules, such as speedy homesteaded properties such as residential rental trial time limits or deadlines for filing court docu- property, seasonal homes and commercial prop- ments, with a simple majority vote rather than a erty; 3) authorize a homestead exemption to two‐ thirds majority vote, as currently required. first‐time homebuyers or to buyers who have not Supporters of Amendment 5 say it would bring owned property during the previous three years much needed change to a court system that gives or longer. The exemption would phase out over the governor too much power in appointing five years and be equal to 5% of the market judges. Opponents say the measure is a danger- value of the property but not greater than the ous attempt to exert political influence over the median market value of all homesteaded proper- judicial branch by giving legislators more ties in the county where the property is located; authority. 4) delay until 2013 the scheduled repeal of Sponsor: The Florida Legislature assessment caps on certain types of non‐home- steaded properties. Proponents say the tax Background: This proposed amendment is the breaks will stimulate the housing and commercial surviving part of a proposed overhaul of the state real estate markets. They also say it will help court system by House Speaker Dean Cannon, R‐ property owners in a down economy. Critics say Winter Park. About a dozen states use a guber- the proposal will hurt cash‐ strapped school dis- natorial appointment system similar to the one tricts, cities and counties already forced to cut Florida currently uses to select Supreme Court services. Total tax revenue losses to local govern- justices, according to the National Center for ments and schools over a 3‐year period have State Courts. Another dozen states have some been estimated at nearly $1 billion. sort of state Senate or other legislative confirma- tion process like that being proposed in Amend- Sponsor: The Florida Legislature ment 5. Background: Perceived inequities in the prop- The remaining states let the public choose their erty tax system led business interests to propose Supreme Court justices, mostly with nonpartisan tax breaks for non‐homesteaded properties and elections. The measure passed in the Senate and first‐time buyers. State Rep. (R‐ House largely along party lines, with Republicans Heathrow) and Sen. Mike Fasano (R‐New Port in favor and Democrats against. Richey) sponsored the bills. It represents the most significant impact on property tax revenues A vote YES on Amendment 5 would: for schools and local governments of any pro- posal on the 2012 ballot. It passed overwhelm- • Require the to confirm or reject ingly (105‐11) in the House, but was closer in the gubernatorial appointments to the state Senate (25‐12). Supreme Court • Allow the Legislature to repeal statewide judicial A vote YES on Amendment 4 would: rules adopted by the Supreme Court by a sim- ple majority vote instead of a two‐thirds vote • Reduce local government revenue by cutting in • Expand the ability of the state House of Repre- half the taxable rate on non homestead prop- ‐ sentatives to review confidential files about erty, such as commercial income properties and judges, even if they are not being considered second homes for impeachment • Reduce local government revenue by prohibit- ing increases in the assessed value of home- A vote NO on Amendment 5 would: stead property and certain non‐homestead property in any year where the market value of • Maintain the current method of selecting jus- the property decreases tices for the Florida Supreme Court by allowing • Reduce local government revenue by extending the governor to make appointments without an additional homestead tax exemption to some legislative approval first‐time homeowners • Continue to require a two‐thirds vote to repeal statewide judicial rules adopted by the Supreme A vote NO on Amendment 4 would: Court • Continue to require that files on judges remain • Maintain existing property tax exemptions confidential unless needed for use in considera- • Prevent schools/local governments from losing tion of impeachment an estimated $1 billion in property tax revenue over 3 years • Not place a limitation on local government reve- nue in the Florida Constitution where it would be difficult to modify or remove

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The Okaloosa Voter, Sep / Oct 2012

#6: Prohibition on Public Funding of Abor- #8: Religious Freedom tions; Construction of Abortion Rights Synopsis: Amendment 8 revives longstanding Synopsis: Federal law prohibits the expenditure debates over the separation of church and state. of federal funds for most abortions (exceptions It would repeal a 126‐year‐old provision in the include rape, incest and threats to a mother’s state Constitution that prohibits taxpayer funding life). If passed, Amendment 6 would enshrine of religious institutions. The provision – com- those prohibitions in the state constitution. monly known as the “no aid” provision – states Because Florida law already prohibits public funds more unequivocally than the U.S. Constitution from being spent on abortion, this would not that state funds not be spent “directly or indi- change current abortion funding practices. rectly” in support of any entity that promotes Rather, passage would show a majority of the religion. If passed, the amendment would remove state’s voters support existing federal that prohibition. An important aspect of Amend- restrictions. There is another provision in the ment 8 concerns its impact on future school amendment, however, that would affect abortion voucher programs. Past programs that included law in Florida. That provision concerns a privacy religiously affiliated schools have been deemed right in the state Constitution that is sometimes unconstitutional partly due to the “no aid” provi- used to thwart anti‐abortion measures in Florida. sion. Amendment 8 would remove that obstacle In 1980, Florida voters passed an amendment to restarting these programs, which allow parents that says, in part: “Every natural person has the to remove students from failing public schools right to be let alone and free from governmental and send them to private schools at taxpayers’ intrusion into the person’s private life…” This pri- expense. Supporters say the “no aid” provision vacy clause has been cited when defending abor- discriminates against religious organizations. tion rights in Florida. If passed, Amendment 6 They argue this proposal offers support to groups would prevent courts from concluding in abortion with religious affiliations that provide valuable cases that the right to privacy in Florida is community services, like prison ministries or broader in scope than the right to privacy church‐run after‐school programs. Opponents say afforded in the U.S. Constitution. Supporters say Amendment 8 will divert money from public this amendment puts the state on even footing schools and other public funding recipients and with the federal government. Opponents say it is that it blurs the separation of church and state. a pre‐emptive strike on a woman’s right to Opponents point out that many religious groups, choose. such as Catholic Charities, can receive public funding under the current law provided they do Sponsor: The Florida Legislature not promote their religion.

Background: Attempts by lawmakers over the Sponsor: The Florida Legislature years to pass abortion restrictions, such as parental notification for pregnant minors and laws Background: This originally was Amendment 7 requiring doctors to counsel women about abor- on the ballot, but a legal challenge by opponents tion alternatives, were rejected by courts that resulted in the rewriting of some of the ballot cited the state’s constitutional right to privacy. language and its reinstatement as Amendment 8. Sen. Anitere Flores, R‐Miami, and state Rep. State Rep. Scott Plakon, R‐Longwood, and state Dennis Baxley, R‐Ocala, sponsored this measure Rep. , R‐Orlando, and Sen. Thad in 2011. It passed the House and Senate largely Altman, R‐Melbourne, sponsored measures in the along party lines, with Republicans in favor and House and Senate. It passed largely along party Democrats against. lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats against. A vote YES on Amendment 6 would: A vote YES on Amendment 8 would: • Mean that Florida’s constitutional right to pri- vacy is not applicable to abortion‐related issues • Repeal the “no aid” provision in the Florida Con- • Allow more restrictive abortion laws to be found stitution and allow public money to go to pri- constitutional by Florida courts vate religious institutions • Restate in the Florida Constitution federal and • Allow the expansion of Florida’s school voucher state law that prohibits public funds from being program to religious institutions and could used for abortion or health insurance coverage result in money being directed to private reli- of abortion gious schools at the expense of public schools • Allow for a greater number of religious pro- A vote NO on Amendment 6 would: grams to be supported by taxpayer funding

• Continue to allow Florida’s constitutional right A vote NO on Amendment 8 would: to privacy to include abortion‐related issues • Continue to extend Florida’s constitutional right • Maintain the “no aid” provision in the state Con- to privacy to any future attempts to restrict stitution that prohibits the government from abortion funding religious institutions and groups that • Not place language in the Florida Constitution promote religion that prohibits public funding of abortion where • Maintain the constitutional provision the courts it would be difficult to modify or remove have cited when rejecting school voucher pro- grams that fund religiously affiliated schools • Maintain the separation of church and state as provided by the state Constitution since 1885

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The Okaloosa Voter, Sep / Oct 2012

#9: Homestead Property Tax Exemption for #10: Tangible Personal Property Tax Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Exemption Responder Synopsis: Most taxpayers are familiar with pay- Synopsis: Amendment 9 grants full homestead ing property taxes on a home. This proposed property tax relief to the surviving spouses of amendment is about taxes assessed on tangible military veterans who die from service‐connected personal property used in a business or to earn causes while on active duty, and to the surviving income. Furniture, fixtures, machinery, tools, spouses of police, firefighters and other first shelving, signs and equipment are examples of responders who die in the line of duty. In short, property that is subject to the state’s tangible the surviving spouses deemed eligible will not personal property tax. By April 1 of each year, pay any property taxes. For a spouse to be eligi- anyone owning tangible personal property that is ble, the deceased veteran or first responder must used in a business or to earn income must file a have been a permanent resident of Florida as of return with the local property appraiser. Under Jan. 1 of the year they died. That same residency current law, the first $25,000 of tangible personal requirement applies to the surviving spouses of property is exempt from taxation. If passed, first responders. First responders are defined as Amendment 10 would boost that exemption to law enforcement officers, correctional officers, $50,000. It would also allow cities and counties firefighters, emergency medical technicians and to grant additional tangible personal tax exemp- paramedics. The proposed amendment covers tions beyond the $50,000 exemption. The state full‐time, part‐time or volunteer first responders. estimates that tangible personal property taxes State law has granted full homestead property represented an estimated 7.6% of the total tax relief to surviving military spouses since county property taxes levied in Florida in fiscal 1997. This proposed amendment enshrines that year 2011‐12. The corresponding amount for cit- exemption in the state Constitution while adding ies was 6.1%. Statewide, if Amendment 10 eligibility to the spouses of first responders. Sur- passes, the added exemption amount proposed viving spouses of veterans or first responders would reduce property tax collections by $61 mil- who died years ago can apply for eligibility retro- lion over the first three years combined, accord- actively if Amendment 9 passes, although the tax ing to state estimates. Supporters say it will help relief is for future taxes only; they will not receive small businesses. Opponents question whether it refunds for any past taxes paid. The state esti- will benefit the economy and warn it will further mates that this amendment, if passed, would erode the local tax base. reduce local school and government tax revenues by about $600,000 statewide in the first year it is Sponsor: The Florida Legislature in effect. Background: Lawmakers hoping to bring tax Sponsor: The Florida Legislature relief to business owners are behind this pro- posed amendment. The measure was sponsored Background: Over a two‐year span in 2010 and by state Rep. Eric Eisnaugle, R‐Orlando, and state 2011, two dozen Florida law enforcement officers Sen. Nancy Detert, R‐Venice. The measure won were killed in the line of duty. This amendment is unanimous approval in the Senate and near‐ meant to recognize their sacrifice by extending unanimous approval in House. the same tax relief to their surviving spouses that is currently offered to the surviving spouses of A vote YES for Amendment 10 would: military veterans who died while on active duty. • Double the tax exemption on tangible personal State Rep. Shawn Harrison, R‐Temple Terrace, property and state Sen. • Allow cities and counties to grant additional Jim Norman, R‐Tampa, sponsored the measure, tangible personal property tax exemptions which won unanimous approval in the House and • Reduce local property tax revenues across the Senate. state by an estimated $61 million combined over the first three years it is implemented A vote YES for Amendment 9 would: A vote NO for Amendment 10 would: • Grant full homestead property tax relief to the surviving spouses of first responders who die in • Leave the tax exemption on tangible personal the line of duty property at its current rate • Enshrine in the state Constitution a law that • Not reduce local property tax revenues across currently offers full property tax relief to sur- the state by an estimated $61 million combined viving spouses of veterans who die while on over three years active duty • Not place a limitation on local government • Allow spouses whose partners died before the revenue in the Florida Constitution where it passage of the Amendment to be eligible for the would be difficult to modify or remove tax exemption

A vote NO for Amendment 9 would:

• Maintain existing property tax exemptions • Prevent local governments from losing a com- bined $600,000 in estimated property tax reve- nues over the course of a year • Not place a limitation on local government revenue in the Florida Constitution where it would be difficult to modify or remove

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The Okaloosa Voter, Sep / Oct 2012

#11: Additional Homestead Exemption; Low- #12: Appointment of Student Body President income Seniors Who Maintain Long-term to Board of Governors of the State University Residency on Property; Equal to Assessed System Value Synopsis: The state’s 11 public universities are Synopsis: Amendment 11 authorizes cities and part of the State University System, which is counties to grant full homestead property tax governed by a 17‐member Board of Governors. relief to low‐income seniors who have lived in Under current law, the president of the Florida their home for at least 25 years. In short, it Student Association is, by virtue of the position, a would eliminate the entire property tax bill for member of the Board of Governors. Not every qualifying seniors. Homeowners who meet the university is an active FSA member, however. following requirements would be eligible: 1) aged Currently, 10 of the 11 universities take an active 65 and older; 2) have a household income of less role. Florida State University prefers not to pay than $27,030; 3) own a home with a market the FSA dues, feeling its interests are better value of less than $250,000; 4) have lived in the represented in other ways. Under the current home for at least 25 years. City councils and system, student council presidents from schools county commissions must pass the exemption by that are non‐FSA participants, like FSU, can never a super‐ majority vote (a majority plus one) be the student representative on the Board of before the full exemption can be offered. The Governors. If passed, Amendment 12 would state estimates that the tax revenues local gov- instruct the Board of Governors to create a new ernments would lose if Amendment 11 passes, council consisting of the student body presidents and if every city and county in the state were to of all 11 universities. Presumably, all 11 universi- approve the exemption, would be a combined ties would participate. The chair of that new $18.5 million over the first two years it was council would replace the chair of the FSA as the offered. student representative to the Board of Governors.

Sponsor: The Florida Legislature Sponsor: The Florida Legislature

Background: Some low‐income seniors are Background: Florida State University chooses struggling to stay in their homes as the state not to participate in the current association of deals with the housing collapse and other reces- university student council presidents. This meas- sionary impacts. This measure was sponsored by ure would create a new organization that FSU state Rep. Jose Oliva, R‐Miami Lakes, and state would join. It was sponsored by state Rep. Matt Sen. Rene Garcia, R‐Hialeah, and won unanimous Gaetz, R‐ Fort Walton Beach, and state Sen. Bill approval in the House and Senate. Montford, D‐Apalachicola. It. won unanimous approval in the House and near‐unanimous A vote YES on Amendment 11 would: approval in the Senate.

• Authorize cities and counties to grant a full A vote YES on Amendment 12 would: homestead exemption to certain low‐income seniors • Create a new council of student body presidents • Require a super‐majority vote by local govern- from which the student representative to the ments to grant the exemption. Board of Governors would be selected • Reduce tax revenues to local governments • Remove the Florida Student Association presi- across the state by an estimated $18.5 million dent from the Board of Governors combined over the first two years it is • Require all state university student body presi- implemented dents to participate in the newly created council

A vote NO on Amendment 11 would: A vote NO on Amendment 12 would:

• Retain current property tax exemptions for • Not authorize the creation of a new council of seniors student body presidents • Not place a potential limitation on local govern- • Retain the Florida Student Association’s current ment revenue in the Florida Constitution where role on the Board of Governors it would be difficult to modify or remove • Require that state universities participate in the • Prevent local governments from granting an Florida Student Association in order to be rep- exemption that could cost an estimated $18.5 resented by the student member of the Board million in tax revenues combined over the first of Governors two years of implementation

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