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Permalink Reply by Valerie Sawyer on October 17, 2010 at 3:01pm

I am voting no on it because this isn't something that should amend the Constitution of the State of FL. An amendment should be a major change. This particular item is something that could be taken care of in the legislature with just a change in the current tax policy.

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Permalink Reply by Herbert Cole (Sonny) on October 17, 2010 at 3:52pm

Thank you. That makes sense.

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Permalink Reply by Debbie G on October 19, 2010 at 5:03am

Hi Sonny,

I am a 10 year veteran, my husband a 30 year veteran and our daughter is currently serving, soon to retire. I am voting no on this amendment because this is not a reason to amend our state's constitution. It is dangerous to open the door of amending a state constitution, this should be taken up either as a local or statewide legislative issue. That being said, this amendment also has a statewide negative financial impact of approximately $13million. Local budgets are a fixed amount each year. If our daughter gets an extra tax credit for being deployed the local budget does not change, but rather that credit for her becomes a debit for other citizens. The amendment sounds good, and it is noble that civilians wish to recognize our service; however, changing a state Constitution to do so is not the avenue. This is my view on this amendment and does not reflect the organization of the First Coast Tea Party.

Debbie G.

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Permalink Reply by Wayne Humphrey on October 19, 2010 at 10:58am

As a retired military member myself, and speaking for myself, I'm voting no because it relaxes taxes on active duty members that enjoy the same state, municipality services while permanently stationed here. In fact, when most military members deploy, they get more money than their normal pay, and for those who are or have been military, you know exactly what I'm talking about if you're honest.

However, if this amendment was targeted for reservist who lose money when called to active duty away from their normal jobs, then I'm all for it.

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Permalink Reply by tamara stephenson on October 19, 2010 at 2:17pm

Debbie, I completely agree with your position on this amendment. thank you for articulating it so much better than i could.

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Permalink Reply by Patty Duncan Pearson on October 20, 2010 at 9:59am

Debbie G said:

Hi Sonny,

I am a 10 year veteran, my husband a 30 year veteran and our daughter is currently serving, soon to retire. I am voting no on this amendment because this is not a reason to amend our state's constitution. It is dangerous to open the door of amending a state constitution, this should be taken up either as a local or statewide legislative issue. That being said, this amendment also has a statewide negative financial impact of approximately $13million. Local budgets are a fixed amount each year. If our daughter gets an extra tax credit for being deployed the local budget does not change, but rather that credit for her becomes a debit for other citizens. The amendment sounds good, and it is noble that civilians wish to recognize our service; however, changing a state Constitution to do so is not the avenue. This is my view on this amendment and does not reflect the organization of the First Coast Tea Party.

Debbie G.

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Permalink Reply by Patty Duncan Pearson on October 20, 2010 at 10:01am

Debbie, thank you so much for your post. I, like probably many others, intended to vote yes on this amendment out of deference and respect for our military. You articulated your view incredibly well. I stand corrected.

Patty P.

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