Tom Warne Report, 9 October 2013
Florida lawmakers are hard at work filing bills to be considered when the regular session starts six months from now. One proposal for the upcoming 2014 session is by Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola, and would roll back driver’s license and vehicle registration fees to 2009 levels.
Registration fees were hiked four years ago to help fill budget gaps during the economic recession. HB61 would reduce registration fees by about $12 per vehicle each year. This would save taxpayers $230 million per year.
Gov. Rick Scott has also mentioned cutting license and vehicle fees in the $500 million plan he is working on to reduce taxes and fees from next year’s budget. He said the economic revival has given the state the opportunity to give some of the projected surplus back.
Does anyone find it ironic that in one story, FDOT is fixing a severely damaged bridge in record time and at the same time we see this story considering a reduction in their funding? Fundamentally, I’m for efficient government and low taxes, however, I have to believe FDOT is like most state DOT’s and not receiving enough revenue to take care of their basic needs. $230 million per year must sting. JN