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