💰Ballot Shenanigans - Action Alert, June 8, 2026

beachesactivistmov
13 hours ago
4 min read

Ballot Measure Shenanigans Threaten Local Funding

The FL Legislature last week approved a hastily introduced ballot measure that --- if approved by voters in November --- would dramatically cut property taxes in the state --- hamstringing local governments and special taxing districts, and centralizing responsibility for fiscal decisions at the state level.

The plan, crafted by the Governor and enacted in a two-day special session, would increase the homestead tax exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, and limit how counties and municipalities can spend property tax revenue, among other changes. Jacksonville and other local governments were quick to oppose the measure, warning that new fees and other taxes would be needed to replace lost revenue to maintain critical quality-of-life services. Duval County stands to lose an estimated $300 million annually by 2029 under the measure, which would eliminate roughly 10% to 15% of the city’s operating budget. (Cartoon credit: Bill Day, FL Politics)

In more ballot shenanigans, the Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee last week delayed a bill authorizing a November referendum to renew the Duval County School District’s property tax levy used to bolster teacher pay and enhance art, music, and athletic programs, among other provisions. The performative move by Council members Carrico, Salem, Arias, and Diamond generated significant pushback from teachers and education advocates and will likely land on this week's City Council agenda.

Thank FL Senator Tracie Davis and retiring Rep. Angie Nixon for standing up to the Governor and his GOP enablers, and voting against the property tax amendment.
Wear red and join Duval educators, parents, students, public school advocates, and community members at City Hall on Tuesday, June 9th at 5 p.m. to rally and speak out in support of putting the local school funding referendum on the ballot! Get info and RSVP here.
Reach out to the Jax City Council and tell them what you think about the antics some members' antics to delay the School Board ballot measure. They need to stop playing games and approve the measure on Tuesday! Find their contact info here.

Postcard with BAM on Thursday!

The 2026 Primary Election for the midterms is just 72 days away! Bring a friend and join us Thursday, June 11th as we kick off an important Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort. We'll be postcarding our neighbors in School Board District 2 who don't usually turn out for the midterms to make sure they know about the upcoming election, who can vote, and what's on the ballot on August 18th. Many Independents skip our largely partisan primary election and so miss the chance to pick a School Board member to represent the Beaches and surrounding area, not realizing the School Board is a nonpartisan contest. This year, the seat in our area is open --- no incumbent --- giving us a chance to break the Moms for Liberty stranglehold on the local board. RSVP below and be there Thursday to help energize and educate concerned voters!

RSVP for BAM Meeting

Rise Up, Sing Out Watch Party on June 14th!

On June 14, BAM and Indivisible groups around the country are joining the Committee for the First Amendment (CFA) in hosting Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment, an uplifting evening of song, solidarity, and action, with support from the No Kings Coalition. The event is planned as a counter-protest to Trump's birthday party, which will feature the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) cage match on the White House South Lawn (I wish I were making this up). Join us at 7 p.m. on Sunday for a Rise Up, Sing Out watch party at the Beach! We'll livestream the national live event and share food & drink with fellow activists! Let's celebrate the first anniversary of the inaugural No Kings protest in Jacksonville, and continue to build solidarity as we head toward the 2026 midterm elections! RSVP below for the location and additional info.

RSVP for BAM Watch Party

Take Action: Stop ICE Funding, Support War Powers Act

The U.S. Senate last week approved $70 billion in SUPPLEMENTAL funding for ICE and Customs & Border Protection without any concessions demanded by the Democrats, including eliminating funding for Trump's slush fund and ballroom, and nixing the appointment of a wholly unqualified Director of National Security. The bill now moves to the House --- make sure U.S. Rep. John Rutherford hears from you! No more funding for ICE. No funding for Trump's slush fund (remind him that January 6th attackers could access this fund -- he broke with Trump on pardoning those who assaulted law enforcement officers). Reach him at (202) 225-2501 or email by clicking on his name.
Four GOP members of the U.S. House --- alas, Rutherford was not one of them --- broke ranks with their party last week and supported a measure to direct Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran or win congressional approval to continue military operations there. The U.S. Senate now has a chance to vote again and act to curb Trump's actions in this ill-conceived war. Tell FL Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody you expect them to do their job and support the War Powers resolution. Reach them through the Capitol switchboard (202.224.3121) or click on their names for an email link.

Weigh In on Election Coverage

We got a chance to learn more about the critical role of nonprofit journalism in watchdogging state and local government from Florida Trib executive editor Nate Monroe at last month's BAM meeting. Now the award-winning news organization is seeking readers' input on election coverage. What issues are most important to you in this election? What do you want to know about the issues, candidates, or voting rules? Share your thoughts in this 5-minute survey!

Beaches Library Protest Next Week: Trump's Birthday!

Join the crowd at the Beaches Library every Saturday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Next week, let's give Trump a special present for his birthday on June 14th --- lots of signs calling out his efforts to dismantle our democracy and voting rights, suppress the Epstein files, and enrich himself and his billionaire cronies at taxpayer expense! See you on Saturday!

RAISE HOTLINE: 1-888-600-5762

Have you recently seen, interacted with, been detained, or know someone impacted by ICE? Call the hotline. Alert local Legal Observers and connect detainees with assistance and resources. Email us to learn more about how you can help!