Just before midnight, DeSantis reveals he's signed $1 billion tax on consumers

[teach1st]

Just before midnight, DeSantis reveals he’s signed $1 billion tax on consumers
Orlando Sentinel, 4/20/21

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law late Monday a bill that will cost Florida consumers who shop online an estimated $1 billion a year in sales taxes, with the money used to cut business taxes.

The governor’s office announced the decision at 11:23 p.m. Monday in an email that contained no comment. Early in the day, he traveled to Polk County to surround himself with law officers and publicly sign the controversial “anti-riot” bill (HB 1) that Democrats and civil rights activists contend is unconstitutional.

“Governor just signed a bill into law to increase your taxes and give the new revenue of $1 billion to businesses,” Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, tweeted after the bill signing was announced.

Outnumbered Democrats in the Legislature had argued that working Floridians will be hurt by the proposal. The final package was approved 27-12 by the Senate and 93-24 in the House.

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[Lovie777]

1. Well this is who they voted for . . .

[Deuxcents]

2. No, I didn't !

[atreides1]

4. You didn't

But the majority of Floridians did...and the number of Democrats vs. Republicans in your state legislature, is an indicator that of that!

[FBaggins]

9. Actually... there's a good chance that you did

All three senate committees that worked on the bill voted unanimously for it.

Democrats in FL generally supported taxing online sales - they just didn't agree with the use of the funds

[babylonsister]

3. I didn't vote for him...

and I would be totally unsurprised if we ever find out he's not there legitimately.

[mitch96]

5. LIke his predecessor, scott I just assume he bought the election.. follow the money..nt

[marble falls]

6. Classic wealth distribution.

[Baitball Blogger]

7. Despicable prick.

[Dreampuff]

8. I'm surprised he didn't just send it out in a tweet like his hero would have done.

Wow! Two Insane things in only one day?

[Beartracks]

10. That is a massive transfer of wealth!

The usual Republican tripe will be something like, "We have to give it the rich 'job-creators' so they can theoretically expand their businesses, you know, and, like, hire more people so those people can have more money -- yes, the same people who got hit with the massive tax hike, yes."

The trick being, of course, that the rich never get around to expanding their businesses. How can they? They just took all that money out of the pockets of consumers who would otherwise have been their customers.

==============

[OneCrazyDiamond]

11. Are online sales really hurting local businesses?

In Cali we pay sales tax on sites like Amazon or Ebay. As far as I know, our system doesn't hurt our businesses.

[mitch96]

12. So is this an increase on the tax or just paying normal sales tax on a item

In my town the tax is 7%.. So on line purchases will be taxed at 7%? Would the vendor collect the tax and send it to the State of Florida? I'm curious what businesses are getting tax breaks.. Mar a Largo?
m

[jmowreader]

13. I could see doing it...

...if the purpose was to spend the money on things Floridians need, like a warehouse full of 7/16” plywood to be used for boarding up windows next time a big hurricane comes near the state. Or...well, roads, schools and lionfish eradication would also be good. But funding a tax cut seems really Republican to me.