Backroom Briefing: Manufacturing tax pledge draws little ink

By JIM TURNER
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, October 8, 2015.......... The Manufacturers Association of Florida wants lawmakers to sign a "pledge" that they will endorse Gov. Rick Scott's effort to permanently eliminate a tax on machinery and equipment.

But even in a Legislature filled with lawmakers who profess to be driven to cut taxes, getting names inked on such a dotted line might not be so easy.

Senate President Andy Gardiner, an Orlando Republican who has targeted $250 million as a starting point next year for discussions on a tax-cut package, is open to the idea of including the manufacturing tax cut in the package, spokeswoman Katie Betta said in an email.

However, Betta added, "During his 16 years in the Legislature, President Gardiner's general policy has been not to sign pledges."

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, was less direct when asked if he would sign the association's requested pledge.

"The House is committed to providing meaningful tax relief to Florida families and businesses," Crisafulli said in a prepared statement. "We welcome any and all ideas to put more money back into the hands of Florida taxpayers. Chairman (Matt) Gaetz and the Finance & Tax Committee will be putting together the House's tax cut proposal. I encourage members to work with Chair Gaetz on ideas they feel will best lower taxes for the most Floridians."

Lawmakers in 2013 approved a three-year moratorium on the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, but the tax is scheduled to return in 2017. Scott last year projected that companies would have to pay $142.5 million annually if the tax is again collected.

The association last week circulated a pledge for Florida lawmakers to sign by Dec. 1 declaring opposition to a revival of the tax.

Nancy Stephens, the association's executive director, acknowledged late Wednesday that, "Generally speaking, legislators do not like to sign pledges." But she added the association is willing to take "pledges, in whatever form legislators are comfortable."

Stephens said the intent of issuing the pledge is to raise awareness about the tax, as the issue is going to have to compete with numerous other tax-cut proposals in 2016.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA POPULAR, BUT RECREATIONAL USE MORE IFFY

A new Quinnipiac University poll reinforces that Florida voters overwhelmingly support legalizing medical marijuana. But they are not quite so convinced about allowing the recreational use of pot.

The poll numbers, released Thursday, found that 87 percent of Florida voters support allowing adults to use marijuana for medical purposes, with only 12 percent opposed.

But the poll also asked voters whether they would support allowing adults to possess small amounts of pot for personal use. That idea drew support from 51 percent of voters and opposition from 45 percent.

CITRUS DEPARTMENT TO KEEP FREE OJ FLOWING

The Department of Citrus intends to keep free orange juice flowing at the state's highway welcome centers next fiscal year.

But after Gov. Rick Scott vetoed $240,000 in the fine print of this year's budget for the refreshing promotion, the department is planning to keep the taps operating next year at the centers on Interstates 10, 75 and 95 and U.S. 231 by using the department's advertising trust fund.

"We're handling it this year exactly as it always has been handled," Department spokesman David Steele said Wednesday in an email. "The Legislature's proposal to create a separate line item represented a change --- but the veto obviously preserved the status quo."

Steele's response came after department Interim Executive Director Shannon Shepp gave an overview Wednesday to the Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittee about the department's proposed spending plan for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, which includes $30.2 million for marketing.

The marketing money is generated by citrus sales.

TWEET OF THE WEEK: "Out of this chaos will come something good. I have no doubt that vision, inclusivity and leadership will prevail." --- Florida Republican Congressman Dennis Ross (@RepDennisRoss) amid the turmoil after U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., pulled out of the running for House speaker.