THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Voter approval amendment begins legislative trip

A Senate panel on Tuesday approved a proposed constitutional amendment to limit state and local revenue increases unless voters approve.

The measure (SJR 1906) passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee but not before representatives from cities, counties, school districts, firefighters and unions spoke out against it.

Critics contend the proposal has been unsuccessful elsewhere and would hamstring local government when providing critical services.  The 6-4 vote was the measure’s first committee hurdle in what even backers admit will be a difficult road.

Under the measure, local and state revenues could not increase faster than inflation and population growth unless a majority of voters approve. New taxes must be approved by two-thirds of voters. A similar proposal was rejected last year by a panel assembled to revamp the state’s tax structure.