Really, kids. Referendums usually aren't this long!
I love the Broward County program to get kids interested in voting. But something tells me that Tuesday's referendum on
property taxes just might have the opposite effect on our youth.
When a colleague came in with a copy of the ballot the schoolkids were given, we eagerly grabbed for the summary on the tax issue. We thought maybe the amendment had been boiled down in an interesting way for the students. And if so, maybe we could borrow from that creativity, as we try to dumb down the issue -- I mean, "explain it'' -- to our readers.
No such luck. Here is what our children had to weigh in on:
PROPERTY TAX AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION—SUMMARY Increases homestead exemption from current $25,000 by exempting assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. Does not apply to school taxes. Allows homesteaded property owners to transfer up to $500,000 of their Save Our Homes benefits to next homestead purchased within 2 years. Limits assessment increases for all non-homesteaded property to 10 % per year, until 1/1/2019, unless renewed. Does not apply to school taxes. Exempts $25,000 of assessed value of tangible personal property from all taxes. If passed by 60% of those voting, takes effect 1/1/2008.So, come on, kids, yes or no!? Come on, I know you all have strong opinions about tangible personal property because I've seen you text messaging about it! Go ahead and unload your emotions about exemptions of assessed value!
Seriously, the amendment was hard for most adults to figure out. I think Kids Voting Broward, Inc., was brave to put this one to the test in the schools. (Results still not in. Stay tuned.)
Maybe I'm underestimating the students.
Kids, if you figured out what this Amendment means, please, by all means, tell your parents!
Gretchen Day-Bryant has a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. She’s lived to tell about the struggles of juggling little kids and work.
Joy Oglesby has a preschooler...
Cindy Kent Fort Lauderdale mother of three. Her kids span in ages from teenager to 20s.
Rafael Olmeda and his wife welcomed their first son in Feb. 2009, and he's helping raise two teenage stepdaughters.
Lois Solomon lives in Boca Raton with her husband and three daughters.
Georgia East is the parent of a five-year-old girl, who came into the world weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Brittany Wallman is the mother of Creed, 15, and Lily, 7, and is married to a journalist, Bob Norman. She covers Broward County government, which is filled with almost as much drama as the Norman household. Almost.
Chris Tiedje is the Social Media Coordinator and the father of a 7-year-old girl, and two boys ages 4 and 3.
Kyara Lomer Camarena has a 2-year-old son, Copelan, and a brand new baby. 
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