Florida Policy Project President Jeff Brandes: The Spirit Airlines‑ification of Government

Jeff Brandes, a Pinellas County Republican who served for 12 years in the Florida Senate, isn't holding back on his analysis of a proposed property tax overhaul going before voters in November.  Brandes, the founder and president of the nonprofit Florida Policy Project, joins the "Between the Lines with Dara Kam" podcast from State Affairs this week with his take on what he calls one of the most consequential measures headed to the ballot in modern history. Brandes argues the measure championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis was pushed through during a special legislative session at "warp speed," with lawmakers "under threat" that their priority projects could be vetoed if they didn't vote for it. He says the process lacked the data and deliberation needed to understand its real-world impact, especially the risk that cities and counties could be squeezed into consolidation as local tax revenues shrink. Brandes tells Dara that the Legislature effectively abdicated its responsibility to act as the gatekeeper for what belongs on the ballot, leaving former legislative leaders "spinning in their graves" over how the bill was handled. Tune in to hear Brandes contend that, if approved by voters, the plan could significantly change who wields power over local government spending. Visit pro.stateaffairs.com/florida for more.