From: Hasner, Adam
Date: 10/3/2007 7:23:16 PM
To: karen@redreefrealty.com
Subject: RE: From 'Write Your Representative' Website

Dear Karen Lindholm:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me to share your views on this
critical issue. As you are aware, we are returning to Tallahassee this
week in order to balance the state budget as is required by our state
constitution. Due to less economic activity, revenues from sales tax
and documentary stamps are much lower than previously projected and it
will now require us to reduce state spending from the original budget of
$72 billion by approximately $1 billion for this fiscal year. During
this upcoming special session it will be important for us to remember
that state government, like local government, must live within its means
and not spend more money than Floridians can afford.

I certainly understand the impact that Florida's slowing real estate
market has had on our state's economy, and I fully agree that any step
toward economic recovery will require comprehensive solutions to fix our
state's unsustainable property tax system and help make Florida
affordable once again.

As you recall, the Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives
led the way earlier this year by passing a bold and comprehensive plan
that rolled back property taxes for all property owners - homesteaders,
non-homesteaders and commercial - to 2000-2001 levels and capped future
increases. Additionally, we passed legislation that would have provided
voters with the opportunity to eliminate their property taxes on their
primary residences. Unfortunately, the Florida Senate did not support
these measures. The tax relief plan we ultimately passed provided $16
billion of property tax relief in phase one and proposed a new Super
Homestead Exemption that could have potentially provided an additional
$16 billion in tax relief. While I recognize and agree that these
measures did not go far enough, I believe they were a good first step.
Now, the recent ruling by a state judge has jeopardized the possibility
of a vote on January 29th.

Floridians need to know that there will be tax relief sooner rather than
later, and I believe it is critical for the Florida Legislature to
ensure that there is a vote on January 29th that can help provide the
relief that people deserve. Once we have addressed the issue of
balancing the state budget, I am looking forward to returning to
Tallahassee before the end of October to propose additional measures so
that voters will have an opportunity to vote on January 29th on much
needed and deserved property tax relief.

Throughout Florida, Realtors such as you have been the strongest vocal
advocates for meaningful property tax relief and I thank you for your
support. In the coming weeks the opponents of tax relief will continue
to attempt to thwart our efforts so I urge you to remain vigilant and
together we will fight to help get Florida's economy back on the move
again.

Again, thanks for your note and for your continued advocacy on this
issue critical to Florida's future.

All my best,

Adam


Adam Hasner

Majority Leader

Florida House of Representatives

District 87



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