‘We owe it to taxpayers to get this right’: Ben Albritton says Senate to consider dueling GOP tax plans

Senate President Ben Albritton says he is open to considering dueling approaches regarding cutting taxes for Floridians proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez.

But in a newly issued memo, Albritton says he is hesitant to push through a permanent tax cut right now, instead warning lawmakers to act cautiously and avoid a budget shortfall.

“We owe it to taxpayers to get this right,” Albritton said.

“At this point, I believe it is prudent that a final tax cut package of this size be predominantly nonrecurring, while permanent tax cuts are explored during the interim.”

Albritton issued the memo as Republican leaders are at odds over taxes at the halfway point of the Session.

DeSantis advocates abolishing property taxes, while Perez is calling to cut the state sales tax from the current 6% to 5.25%.

“For our part, the Senate has a lot to consider. In my view, we should be open-minded to an ‘all of the above’ approach,” Albritton said in the memo.

“Cutting taxes now does little good if they have to be raised two years from now to address budget shortfalls. No one wants a repeat of the Great Recession, and we’ve done our best to avoid that by reigning in spending, paying down debt, and setting aside significant reserves. There are cumulative impacts to every tax cut. We need to do our due diligence and understand those impacts, combined with the projected budget shortfalls already on the horizon.”

Albritton nevertheless took an even-handed approach in the memo. And in a statement to social media, Albritton expanded on his desire to work with the House and the Governor on a compromise.

“On tax relief, I like immediate relief for property owners in advance of an amendment for voters to consider. I also like immediate relief for Floridians who rent, as well as those who own property, via the sales tax. Both are big ideas, worthy of our consideration,” Albritton said.

But in his memo, he spotlighted programs that could be affected if the state slashes revenue sources too aggressively.

“Cutting waste and inefficiency plays an important role in responsible spending; however, there is a cost associated with maintaining our transportation, clean water, and health care infrastructure, ensuring universal school choice for every family, hurricane response and recovery, and of course public safety,” Albritton said.