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Florida Senate President urges ‘all of the above’ tax cut approach | Florida

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-01 11:48:00

(The Center Square) — Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, weighed in on the tax relief debate, saying in a letter to the Senate that he favors an “all of the above” approach.

The letter comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, have unveiled competing tax cut proposals in recent days. 

DeSantis unveiled his plan on Monday that would spend $5.1 billion to give the 5.1 million homesteaded properties a one-time, $1,000 rebate. The second-term Republican governor also wants an initiative placed on the 2026 ballot that would provide permanent relief for Florida homeowners.

According to a report by the Florida Policy Institute, property taxes account for $43 billion in revenue annually and 50% to 60% of school district budgets.         

Perez’s plan would permanently cut the state’s sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. In fiscal year 2024, sales tax collections totaled nearly $41.2 billion. 

DeSantis said he would prefer property tax reform because it would help Floridians, not visiting tourists. 

Albritton wants to find a middle ground between the two competing proposals. 

“I applaud Governor DeSantis for pursuing an innovative concept, and I like the idea of being able to provide some immediate relief to homesteaded property owners in advance of a more comprehensive effort to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot for voters to consider,” Albritton said on Monday. “I like that the House’s proposal is broad-based and would provide immediate relief for Floridians who rent, as well as those who own property. These are both significant ideas, worthy of our thought and consideration.

“However, at this point, I believe it is prudent that a final tax cut package of this size be predominantly nonrecurring, while permanent tax cuts are explored during the interim.”

Albritton also said that he doesn’t want to cut taxes now and have to raise them in a few years due to a budget shortfall. 

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Israel faces growing global condemnation over military expansion in Gaza

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www.clickorlando.com – Wafaa Shurafa, Sam Metz And Samy Magdy, Associated Press – 2025-08-09 10:20:00

SUMMARY: International condemnation mounted over Israel’s military takeover of Gaza City amid 22 months of conflict. Health officials reported 11 Palestinians shot while seeking aid and 11 more adults dying from malnutrition within 24 hours. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Qatar’s prime minister to discuss a ceasefire proposal involving hostage release and Israeli withdrawal. Hostage families pressured Israel, fearing for 50 hostages’ lives. Nine countries strongly opposed Israel’s operation, citing humanitarian risks and international law violations. Aid drops continued but were criticized as insufficient and hazardous. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 114 adult malnutrition deaths since June, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis.

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South Korea’s military says North Korea is removing speakers from their tense border

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www.news4jax.com – Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press – 2025-08-09 03:34:00

SUMMARY: South Korea’s military reported North Korea is removing loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border, days after South Korea dismantled its own propaganda speakers to ease tensions. North Korea had blasted irritating sounds in response to South Korea’s broadcasts, which included propaganda and K-pop songs targeting Pyongyang. South Korea’s new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, halted these broadcasts as a gesture toward peace. Despite some outreach, North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong rejected Seoul’s overtures, criticizing their alliance with the U.S. Tensions could rise again with upcoming South Korea-U.S. military drills starting August 18, which North Korea views as a provocation.

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Trump executive order gives politicians control over all federal grants, alarming researchers

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www.clickorlando.com – Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press – 2025-08-08 16:06:00

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting political appointees oversight of federal agency grants, including those from FEMA, NSF, and NIH. The order mandates appointing officials to review funding opportunities to ensure alignment with agency priorities and allows termination of grants anytime, even mid-period. Agencies must implement new protocols before announcing new funding opportunities. The administration claims the move strengthens oversight and streamlines grantmaking. Scientists and medical groups warn it politicizes grant decisions, delaying research advances and damaging U.S. scientific leadership. Thousands of grants, including those on public health and social topics, have been cut. Legal challenges are expected.

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