If passed, Amendment 5 would require a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the Legislature to approve any new or increased taxes or fees or to approve the repeal of any tax credits, rather than a simple majority vote. This would make it harder to raise revenue in times of emergencies, such as hurricanes.
The amendment would also lock in existing private school tax credit vouchers, as well as billions of dollars’ worth of tax breaks corporations enjoy for dog racing, charter fishing boats, private jets, and college stadium skyboxes — funds that otherwise could be used for public education, environmental programs, transportation and public works projects, and vulnerable populations.
SPLC urges a NO vote on Amendment 5.
Read the latest on Amendment 5:
- Commentary: Health at risk in Florida: Amendment 5 could bring peril
- Editorial: Don’t be fooled by 3 tax amendments
- Amendment 5: Here's what USA TODAY NETWORK's Florida newspapers recommend
- Take a Dive on Amendment Five
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