Americans for Prosperity Brings the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to the First Coast

For Immediate Release - July 13, 2007

Contact: Adam Guillette, (800) 398-4061

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – Americans for Prosperity, which recently launched a new Florida chapter, has started a grassroots effort to enact the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights in Duval, St. Johns and Putnam counties.

“This Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights will ensure that County and City Commissions are fiscally responsible, and it will give every citizen veto power over any tax and fee increase,” said Dan Quiggle, State Chairman for Americans for Prosperity.

A Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights limits the spending increase of government, and requires that any new tax increase be approved by voters. It also forces local governments to create a sufficient “rainy day” fund in the event of a recession. In addition, it mandates that local governments refund any budget surplus to the taxpayers.

"We want First Coast Floridians to declare their independence from high taxes,” proclaimed Adam Guillette, State Director. Americans for Prosperity is encouraging St. Johns and Putnam County officials to include the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights on their proposed charters. They are also working on creating a ballot initiative to add the Bill of Rights to the Duval and Volusia County Charters.

On July 25th they will be holding an open meeting in Jacksonville to discuss their plans to enact this legislation in Duval County. The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights has been enacted by many local governments. In 1993, the State of Colorado amended their state constitution to include the legislation.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is the nation’s premier grassroots organization committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

###