First Forum to be Held in Opposition of Florida’s Largest Tax Increase in History

Monday, July 21, 2008

Forum to Discuss the Real Impacts of Amendment 5 to Take Place in Broward

Melbourne—Senator Mike Haridopolos (R-Indialantic), leading opponent of Amendment 5 and advocate for Florida’s future fiscal sustainability, announced today that he will join the concerned citizens of Broward County and other opponents of Amendment 5 at a forum at the Broward Community College on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 1:00 pm.

Senator Haridopolos, who is heading the opposition group, Protect Florida’s Future, will kick off the five-week series of 10 forums to discuss the implications of Amendment 5, the tax-swap proposal that will be before voters on the November ballot.  “This amendment is not only wrong for Florida in that it will not provide tax relief and will ultimately raise Floridian’s taxes, but it will also be another unnecessary policy change that is imbedded in our state’s Constitution,” said Haridopolos.  “This effort is put before voters by an unelected body that does not fully understand the ramifications of this ill-fated proposal.”

“The voters deserve to know the full details of this amendment and what it will mean to their families, their budgets and the future financial viability of our state,” Haridopolos continued.  “I look forward to answering questions and concerns from our communities; and again extend an invitation to former Senator John McKay, a staunch supporter and creator of this amendment, to join me in a debate on the issue.  It is our duty to inform the voters, and in doing so, I know they will see Amendment 5 for the bait and switch that it is.”

Protect Florida’s Future is a coalition of Florida’s seniors, educators, health care providers, farmers, and small and large businesses dedicated to defeating Amendment 5. For more information on Protect Florida’s Future and Amendment 5, please visit www.protectfloridasfuture.com.