All for Transportation Hires Big Gun Lawyers to Shutdown Lawsuit

All for Transportation (AFT) created the 5 page tax hike charter amendment that led to Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White's lawsuit, case #18-CA-011749. White's legal complaint he filed can be found here.

AFT recently filed to be an "intervener" in White's lawsuit filed against the county and other parties receiving the new tax proceeds. An intervener basically joins the lawsuit and becomes a party in the lawsuit.

Tax Spikes Commercial Leases - The Implications

Sharon exposed for the first time the impact of the All For Transportation tax hike on commercial leases.

What are some of the implications for the owners and renters of commercial buildings? Let's take a look.

Commercial lease taxes money down the drain

Tax Hike to Spike Cost of Commercial Leases

Image from WTSP.com

The cost of doing business in Hillsborough County is going up in January for many businesses who have commercial leases.

Effective January 1, 2019, Hillsborough County taxpayers will see an over 21% increase in the sales tax they must pay. Not only will that increase the cost of dining out, the cost of clothing, shoes, vehicles, appliances, TV's and other items taxpayers buy and consume everyday, it impacts commercial leases.

To Seek The Facts Skepticism and Curiosity Are Required

Guest post from Dr. James Davison

“Fact or Fake? Democracy depends on our ability to tell the difference”. It was with these words that Paul Tash, chairman and CEO of the Tampa Bay Times, summed up his commencement speech delivered at his alma mater (IU class of 1976) on May 5th of this year. 

All in all, it was a wonderful speech. I do not agree with all the points in it, but I do not think there is an American or anyone who loves liberty who could argue with its thesis that we need to be able to tell fact from fake. Separate propaganda from truth in order to remain free.

Like we said. Now it's a $15.8 Billion tax!

Curiously, the Tampa Bay Times recently started reporting the All for Transportation tax hike will raise $15.8 billion over 30 years, while they consistently called it at $280 million per year, $9 billion tax before and just after the election.

Why was it a $9 billion tax, but now its $15.8 billion?

It's A Tax Hike!

Image from WTSP.com

As of January 1, 2019, Hillsborough County will have the highest sales tax rate in the state of Florida.

A tax hike is a tax hike is a tax hike.

But did All for Transportation use the word "tax" or "tax hike" during their $4 million tax hike campaign?

DeSantis Committee for Low Taxes To Meet in Hillsborough County with Highest Sales Tax Rate in FL

We posted here about how those who want tax hikes were erroneously appointed to an economic committee to advise Governor-elect DeSantis for how to keep taxes low in Florida.

It's bad enough the Tampa Bay Swamp tax hikers were appointed to such position but the optics got worse.

The committee is meeting in Tampa tomorrow. According to this Tampa Bay Times article:

The Transition Advisory Committee on the Economy, led by former state Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, will gather at the university’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation at 1 p, m, on Wednesday, Dec. 5. The public may attend.

Tampa Bay Swamp Goes to Tallahassee

Governor-elect DeSantis left the Swamp in DC to run for Governor.

DeSantis supported Trump and he received support from Trump that helped him trounce Adam Putnam in the Primary. DeSantis went on to narrowly beat Gillum in the General.

Unfortunately, while DeSantis promised to keep taxes low and oppose tax increases in Florida, the Tampa Bay Swamp who want higher taxes are already on their way to Tallahassee.