Ballot Issues Committee Chairman Ken Stackpoole has compiled some informative information on the two prominent ballot initiatives – Solar (#1) and Medical Marijuana (#2). Both will be on the November General Election Ballot. I have also included some information about the other Solar Amendment – Amendment 4 – which is on the Primary Ballot in August.
We encourage all members to take time to learn about the various amendments so we can take an informed vote.
Medical Marijuana (Amendment 2)
Brookings Institute: The Medical Marijuana Mess
Brookings Institute: 4/20 Policy Debate
WSJ: Marijuana Companies Doing Business The Old Fashioned Way
Solar
Florida court narrowly approved solar amendment for ballot (Amendment 1)
The Florida Supreme Court narrowly ruled in March that a constitutional amendment dealing with solar power can appear on November’s ballot. The court split 4-3 over whether the proposal would mislead voters. More from the AP, Florida Politics, and
See also:
WSJ: Solar Panel Installers Face Clouded Future
When Will Rooftop Solar Be Cheaper Than the Grid?
Want Solar Panels on Your Roof? Here’s What You Need to Know
The Best and Worst States for Rooftop Solar Panels
The Legislature passed a Solar Amendment on the Ballot of the August 30th Primary (Amendment 4)
Unlike the other solar power constitutional amendment that Florida will voters will decide on this fall (Amendment 1), there is little controversy about Amendment 4, which is backed by both business and progressive groups, such as the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, The Nature Conservancy and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
Amendment 4 advocates say it would reduce the price of home solar panels, thus allowing more Floridians to use them. It would also help out the big utility companies by reducing their tax liability on solar panels and other renewable energy equipment. If approved by voters, the Legislature would need to approve those tax breaks next year, and they would last for at least 20 years. The amendment requires 60 percent approval from voters and then would need the Legislature in 2017 to enact the changes.
New PAC Formed to Oppose Amendment 4
Tampa Bay Post: About that Solar Amendment on the August Primary
League of Women Voters: Vote Yes on Amendment 4 to Keep the Lights on In FL