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FDDC Applauds House - Urges Further Action by Lawmakers
April 15, 2008
Media Contact:
Rose Coster
(850) 488-4180
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) applauds the bold move late last week by Florida House members as they voted for a Democratic amendment that bans the state from giving tax subsidies to professional sports franchises. This effort, which will add $21.5 million to the state budget, was offered by Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Key West. Republicans supported it on a voice vote.
“We know this is a difficult time to be a lawmaker and applaud this brave step taken by the House,” said Debra Dowds, executive director for FDDC. “But this is not enough. In a year where basic services to Florida’s most vulnerable citizens are being threatened by budget cuts, we are asking the House and the Senate leadership to give a break to Floridians who rely on our health and human services systems by abolishing some of the tax breaks now enjoyed by many businesses operating in Florida.”
The sports subsidy tax break was started in 1993 to encourage sports teams to locate or stay in Florida. Since its inception, it has expanded from major teams to spring-training baseball sites and last year $30 million was distributed to local governments that run stadiums.
“It’s not easy being the good guys in a bad budget year,” said Enrique Escallon, FDDC chairperson. “We encourage lawmakers to keep the momentum going by approving new revenue sources, closing loopholes and restoring some of the cuts in services to Florida’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) serves to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The FDDC works to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to be independent and productive members of society while integrated and included in all facets of community life. Headquartered in Tallahassee, Fla., the FDDC supports initiatives that demonstrate new approaches to advance these goals. Learn more at FDDC.org.