OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Popular Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a tax relief package aimed at providing Sunshine State residents some economic relief amid a period of major price spikes on everything from food to clothing and gasoline.
The “Bidenflation” relief package, according to reports, amounts to a savings of some $1.2 billion for residents and will provide them some economic breathing room on a basket of commonly purchased consumables amid record-high inflation for many items.
“The bill provides for ten sales tax holidays for a variety of items commonly purchased by Florida families, including fuel, diapers, disaster supplies, and tools,” says a news release on the GOP governor’s website.
“Florida’s economy has consistently outpaced the nation, but we are still fighting against inflationary policies imposed on us by the Biden administration,” DeSantis noted. “In Florida, we are going to support our residents and help them afford the goods that they need. Florida has been fiscally responsible, so we are in a good position to provide meaningful relief for families, right now.”
“You look at the fuel — I have not seen it under $4 for a long time,” the governor said. “You’ve not seen any real relief.”
The relief measure contains 10 separate tax holidays including:
— A one-month fuel tax holiday from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, which lowers the price of gas 25.3 cents per gallon and is expected to save residents around $200 million.
— For three months between May 14 and August 14, children’s books will not be taxed, saving parents an additional $3.3 million.
— Clothing for babies and toddlers will also be cheaper for parents, as shoes, outerwear, and diapers will be put on an extended 1-year sales tax break, from July 1 through June 30, 2023, saving a combined $120.4 million.
— Emergency supplies including radios, tarps, flashlights, fire extinguishers, batteries and other items will see a tax holiday between May 28 for two weeks.
— Energy Star Appliances get a year-long tax holiday beginning July 1 including items like washers, dryers, water heaters, and refrigerators.
— Floridians get a 7-day “Freedom Week” from July 1-7 in which families can get sale tax exemptions “for specified admissions and items related to recreational activities” to celebrate Independence Day on July 4.
“Additionally, permanent tax relief provided in the legislation consists of various sales tax exemptions, corporate income tax credit expansions, and ad valorem tax and exemption provisions that will generate an additional $190 million in tax savings over two years and $140 million annually after that,” noted the press release from the governor’s office.
“We have done more than any other state to step up against Bidenflation headwinds, to give relief to our citizens, and we are going to keep on doing that,” DeSantis added at a press conference after he signed the measure.
“Families are going to be able to save for things that really matter for them,” he added.
“You have the inflation, now the Fed is going to keep raising interest rates and it’s going to slow down the economy,” DeSantis said. “So there are just a lot of storms on the horizon.”
The governor won some plaudits for the measure, which was first approved by the GOP-majority state legislature, on social media.
“Ron DeSantis balanced the budget of Florida with no State income tax. That alone will make him the enemy of the ruling class! Let’s expect many more smear campaigns as he continues to run Florida effectively,” one Twitter user wrote.
Ron DeSantis balanced the budget of Florida with no State income tax. That alone will make him an enemy of the ruling class! Let’s expect many more smear campaigns as he continues to run Florida effectively.
— Cryptopolitics (NotBot) (@CryptoCanCol) May 6, 2022
“Hell ya! Love my governor!” wrote another.
Hell ya! Love my governor!
— Ryan (@RyanCrypto1170) May 6, 2022
“Ron DeSantis, a man amongst sheep. With Biden‘s policies & everything going up due to inflation, interest rates, taxes, This man shows his only concern are the people, Of the great state of Fla. He just signed a $1.2 billion tax break package targeting gas, diapers, kids clothing,” added another.
Ron DeSantis, a man amongst sheep. With Biden‘s policies & everything going up due to inflation, interest rates, taxes, This man shows his only concern are the people, Of the great state of Fla. He just signed a $1.2 billion tax break package targeting gas, diapers, kids clothing
— Toneman111 🇮🇹🇺🇸 (@Toneman111) May 6, 2022
