Joe Raineri touched a raw nerve when he denounced the only plan passed by lawmakers to tackle Florida's property tax crisis. Now he finds himself leading a grassroots effort to get voters to defeat it.
W. Palm Beach, Fla. (PRWEB) July 17, 2007 -- Radio talk show host Joe Raineri may not be the only Floridian angry with lawmakers' "fix" to the property tax crisis. But he might just be the most vocal.
He was so incensed when he heard the plan to offer a one-time "super" homestead exemption to homeowners, that on a whim on his show he talked about creating a grassroots organization to defeat it.
Listeners to his show What Are You Kidding Me? The Real Estate Show With An Attitude on 1290am WJNO in West Palm Beach took him seriously.
"Listeners responded and pushed for it," says Raineri. "The citizens of this state have been screaming for property tax reform and the plan our legislators have come up with is not good enough!"
The new organization, NOT GOOD ENOUGH (http://www.NotGoodEnoughFlorida.org) is now in full gear. And momentum is building.
Raineri says as word of it spreads, people from across the state are visiting the web site to sign up and join the effort.
In January 2008, for the property tax plan to become law, voters will need to approve it because it requires a constitutional amendment.
The plan, passed by lawmakers in special session, would create a "Super Homestead" exemption.
Backers of the reform plan claim most homeowners will see their tax bills drop by 44 percent. They say the proposed amendment would eliminate inequities in the current property tax system. Currently, those who've lived in their homes a long time pay a great deal less in property taxes than homeowners who purchased property after values soared.
But Raineri says the plan is nothing more than a temporary fix and creates more uncertainty for property owners.
"This proposed Super Homestead Exemption does not address the long-term needs of the citizens of Florida," says Raineri. "We the people wanted meaningful property tax reform for all classes of property owners--not just primary homeowners."
The proposed constitutional amendment does not address Florida's seasonal residents or those who own second homes.
"Our elected officials must know we will not settle for short-term fixes to long-term issues," says Raineri. "Florida citizens deserve better than this."
Raineri is advocating for a plan originally proposed by House Speaker Mark Rubio. The plan calls for an increase in the sales tax and elimination of property taxes. Lawmakers never seriously considered it.
About What Are You Kidding Me? The Real Estate Show With An Attitude Radio Show: The show, hosted by Joe Raineri, airs on 1290am WJNO in West Palm Beach. Raineri talks about the many real estate issues facing Florida homeowners today.
Interview Requests: Joe Raineri is available for interviews.
Contact: Joe Raineri
Phone: 561-628-9311
Website: http://www.NotGoodEnoughFlorida.org
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