8 June 2017 Currents
> continued from page 7 capital dollars with charter schools.( HB 7069).
Another part of the 2017-18 budget package, calls for numerous reforms to the state college and university system.
Modifies college and university performance metrics to encourage on-time graduation, increases student: financial aid and expands the Bright Future scholarships to cover 100 percent of tuition, limits college and university foundations from using taxpayer money, renames the state college system as the " Florida Community College System " and modifies oversight and operations of the colleges, including setting limits on what four-year degrees each can offer.( SB 374).
Textbook Challenges: Makes it easier for parents and school district residents to challenge educational material used in classroom instruction or school libraries, including books, pamphlets and presentations a parent finds objectionable, offensive or inappropriate for the age of the student.( HB 989).
Solar Amendment: Enacts publicly approved constitutional amendment that allows people and businesses to install solar panels without their property tax bills going up, though amendments add hurdles for companies seeking to do the work that backers of those amendments said were needed for consumer protection.( SB 90).
Taxes
Tax Cap Extension: Places the extension of a tax cap on non-homestead properties on the November 2018 ballot. The measure places a 10 percent cap on annual increases in assessed values of homes that are not primary residences. If not approved by voters, the cap would expire on Jan. 1, 2019.( HJR 21).
Homestead Exemption: Asks voters, in a 2018 ballot initiative, if they support increasing the homestead exemption on primary residences from $ 50,000 to $ 75,000.( HB 7105 / SB 1774).
Tax Cut Package: A series of $ 75 million in tax breaks, including a. 02 reduction in the state ' s 6 percent tax on commercial real estate leases. Also, a sales-tax holiday for shoppers, including back-toschool tax holiday, and the elimination of sales taxes on feminine hygiene products and hurricane supplies.( HB 7109).
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Gene Suppell, Editor & Publisher