Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiAugust 10, 2016

In the words of Billy Bragg, “there is power in a union.” And that power will be on display Thursday morning, as AFSCME Florida will hold a presser with Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry in Hemming Park. The AFSCME press conference, in support of County Referendum 1, will offer an interesting convergence: a public sector union supporting an […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 29, 2016

In the most recent reporting period from July 9 to July 22, the “Yes for Jacksonville” political committee raised and spent over $250,000, as the marketing campaign ahead of the Aug. 30 County Referendum 1 kicks into high gear. The money raised includes a blend of big-dollar donations, some from outside of Duval County, and […]

A.G. GancarskiJuly 5, 2016

A review of bullet points prepared inside the Lenny Curry administration reveal a pension-tax pitch designed for broad appeal that has room for refinement ahead of the Aug. 30 referendum. What’s being left out, however: the mechanics of how the deal actually works, via deferring the bulk of the obligation until the dedicated revenue — which […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 28, 2016

Yearly savings of $57 million on Jacksonville’s unfunded pension liability could be realized within a few years if the half-cent sales tax referendum passes, according to the new Milliman actuarial study, commissioned by the City of Jacksonville. The summary notes some of the talking points that have surfaced of late, pointing out that “rather than the […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 22, 2016

On Wednesday, the Associated Builders & Contractors Florida First Coast Chapter announced its support of the Yes for Jacksonville campaign, designed to generate a yes vote in the Aug. 30 pension tax referendum. “We’re pleased to see Mayor Curry and City Council taking steps to resolve the pension issue with the half-cent extension,” said Janet Masterson, ABC Board Chair. […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 14, 2016

On Tuesday afternoon, State Sen. Aaron Bean addressed the Northside Business Leaders group at their customary meeting place — a conference room at the Jacksonville Zoo — offering insights on the Pulse massacre, the pension tax referendum, and the just-concluded legislative session. He also found time to talk to FloridaPolitics.com. Here are highlights from both: — Regarding […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 9, 2016

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced his “bipartisan finance team” for his “Yes for Jacksonville” political committee, designed to market the pension-tax referendum. “This group of community and business leaders come from both political parties and bring an incredible depth of experience,” said Curry. “Their dedication to the city’s future and commitment to a victory for this reform ensures […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 1, 2016

Criticism is mounting of the Aug. 30 Jacksonville pension tax referendum, which would, if passed, extend the half-cent infrastructure sales tax from 2030 until 2060, or whenever current pension debt is retired. The mayor of Neptune Beach, Harriet Pruette, emailed Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry in May, hoping to ensure the beach communities aren’t left out in the […]

A.G. GancarskiApril 6, 2016

The Florida Times-Union reports that Jacksonville’s pension tax referendum will be slated for an August vote. “This is a financial crisis and we need to get certainty on solving the unfunded pension liability,” Mayor Lenny Curry told Nate Monroe. “The earliest date we can go is August.” In the meantime, Monroe reports, an austere budget awaits […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 25, 2016

As part of a raft of bills signed Friday, Gov. Rick Scott signed into law the Discretionary Sales Surtax bill that passed the House and Senate by wide margins during the Legislative Session. The bill facilitates a referendum in August or November to extend the half-cent sales tax, currently earmarked for Better Jacksonville Plan project […]

Tag: Jacksonville pension tax referendum
Image via Meg Weinberger.

AFSCME, Jax Young Republicans back pension tax referendum

Diverse donor mix for political committee selling Jacksonville pension tax

Jax pension-tax bullet points reveal limitations in pitch

$57M savings possible per year by FY 19 if Jax pension tax passes

Jax builders and contractors group backs pension tax referendum

Aaron Bean talks Pulse, pension tax, legislative session

Tommy Hazouri among ‘bipartisan finance team’ for Jax pension-tax referendum sales pitch

Jax Mayor Lenny Curry answers the pension tax critics

Jax pension tax referendum slated for August

Governor signs Jax Pension Tax bill; Now Lenny Curry has to sell it