The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: ericire12 on May 12, 2009, 08:42:40 AM
-
Florida - -(AmmoLand.com)-
In a last minute sneak attack on gun owners, the Florida Legislature raided the concealed weapons and firearms licensing trust fund. This not only effects resident CCW license holders, but non-resident Florida license holders as well!
They took $6 million from the Division of Licensing Concealed Weapons and Firearm Trust Fund that is intended, by law, to be used solely for administering the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program. (Read background information below)
Please Call, Fax, or Email Governor Charlie Crist IMMEDIATELY, and ask him to veto the $6 Million trust fund sweep from the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Licensing authorized under Section 59 of the Conference Report of SB-2600.
Please send your email today!!!!!
And/or please contact the Governor’s office by phone or fax ASAP.
Phone number: (850) 488-4441 or (850) 488-7146
Fax number: (850) 487-0801
Send your email to the Governor at this address: Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com
BACKGROUND:
Right now, the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program is backlogged and overloaded, due in part, to the refusal of budget officials and the Legislature to allow the Division of Licensing to use its own trust fund money to hire more employees and expand/upgrade equipment.
Crates of unopened mail containing license and license renewal applications sit in storage. The backlog of mail sitting unopened, at times, has extended beyond 90 days while existing licenses are expiring because renewal applications haven’t been opened and processed.
Currently (although the Division of Licensing has been working weekend shifts to clear the backlog), it is taking 13-14 weeks to process a “perfect” application once it has been opened. That is an unequivocal violation of the law that requires issuance or denial of a license by a specific time –– a violation of law that legislative leaders are condoning by their actions.
THE LAW REQUIRES THE DIVISION OF LICENSING TO ISSUE A LICENSE WITHIN 90 DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION – or deny the license “for cause”, based upon the criteria set forth in the law. Theft of operating funds by the Legislature is not “just cause” for failure to issue licenses or renewals within 90 days.
While applications sit gathering dust, legislative leaders took $6 million of approximately $8 million held in the trust fund. That $6 million is supposed to be used to pay employees, buy upgraded equipment, upgrade or replace computers or software and to otherwise administer the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program.
BUT, feigning a desperate need for funds for education and health care, legislative leaders recklessly and ruthlessly confiscated trust fund money. Why? Because they were building a so-called “working capital” fund for the 2010-12 legislative term, reported now to be in the neighborhood of $1.8 BILLION DOLLARS. This so-called “working capital fund” is for the use of future legislative leaders.
They didn’t take that money for education. They didn’t take that money for health care. They didn’t take that money to save jobs. They didn’t take that money to avoid pay cuts, or budget cuts — they took the money to help build their own fund.
While Senate leadership reportedly fought to stop the ruthless raids on trust funds, in the end, they simply caved and let the House of Representatives prevail.
The bad behavior doesn’t end there.
Obviously fearing the Governor would use his line-item veto to stop trust fund raids, proviso language was inserted in the bill in a clear attempt to intimidate the Governor.
The proviso language, states that if any portion of the moneys swept from this and other trust funds does not become law (meaning it is vetoed), that portion of the money shall be deducted from the EDUCATION BUDGET. This is clearly designed to keep the Governor from vetoing trust fund sweeps, and prevent trust fund money from being taken back out the House leadership’s so-called “working capital” fund.
Money in the concealed weapons trust fund came from gun owners. No money to administer and run the concealed weapons and firearms licensing program has ever come from general revenue, or any other state fund or revenue source. The taking of these gun owner user fees is an unauthorized tax on the exercise of the Second Amendment.
http://www.ammoland.com/2009/05/11/florida-legislators-raid-ccw-trust-fund/
-
Here is what I sent
Dear Governor Crist,
Use must use your line item veto on this raid of the CCW trust fund. The fund was created solely for the administration of the CCW program.
Currently there is a severe CCW processing backlog and this money is to be used to allay that backlog.
The Congress feigning a desperate need for funds for education and health care, legislative leaders recklessly and ruthlessly confiscated trust fund money. Why? Because they were building a so-called “working capital” fund for the 2010-12 legislative term, reported now to be in the neighborhood of $1.8 BILLION DOLLARS. This so-called “working capital fund” is for the use of future legislative leaders.
They didn’t take that money for education. They didn’t take that money for health care. They didn’t take that money to save jobs. They didn’t take that money to avoid pay cuts, or budget cuts — they took the money to help build their own fund.
This is a despicable (but predictable) power and money grab for the good of Congress and no one else.
Veto this money grab of the CCW trust fund and reign in this out of control Congress.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
-
Under the title CCW rip off I sent the "background" and added this short note:
Governor, I hope you realize that this type of THEFT is what sent Jimmy Hoffa to prison.
-
So far I have sent a letter to Crist and the two reps. Now to hit each congressman too!
-
Now wait just a damn minute,.... My 90 days is up May 17th. for my FL. CCW permit. Charles Bronson,at the Dept of Agriculture that processes applications hired 62 extra employees to process the 2600 CCW applications PER WEEK in Jan.
I mailed my permit packet Mon. Feb. 16th, certified mail, they cashed my $117.00 check in March, BY LAW they have to notify me within 90 days that it either will take more time, or mail me my permit!
Here it is crunch time, and I have heard nothing. It is the one revenue stream in Fl. Gov't that has STEADY revenue to the State.
Crist is for lack of a better word: a RINO, now announced he's running for Senate. Endorsed the BHO porkulus package, ....
Either way, where's my damn permit after 90 days!
You can bet your bottom dollar I'll email him.....I am a news hound and haven't seen this on the local networks,.......
Hmmmmm,....
Bastards,,,,all of them....
-
Politicians lie, and liars become politicians.
-
Politicians lie, and liars become politicians.
Its not just lies here. Its a combination of cowardice and inflexible ideology as well in Fl. The basic problem is this. Florida government, under both parties and for decades, but particularly the last twenty years, has been in the pockets of developers.They permitted massive developments, with one or two access roads onto main arteries and didn't charge serious impact fees. The result is that there is a huge demand for roads, schools, public safety etc. This expense is increased by the fact that so much of the population is made up of either the elderlly and lowpaid immigrants in the service industries. The thing is that the legislature (now GOP dominated) has drunk the reagan Koolaid and won't raise taxes to pay for the services that their own lack of planning made necessary. We're trying to get by with property taxes that people can't pay with the housing bust and sales taxes that hurt small business. They won't even talk about a state income tax. As a result, they're trying to paper things over with short term stunts, not caring that its just creating more problems. Yeah, we'll get you licence in 90 days, assuming the two guys in the office with manual typewriters can process the info. It is a classic case of politicians being in compete denial of reality.
FQ13
-
You're right, every politician, as opposed to a statesman, has his price.
-
They won't even talk about a state income tax.
FQ13
Man I hope NOT. That is a good reason to stay here in FL. No state income tax! I like GA but not the higher sales tax that applies to everything, and the state income tax.
But no matter how much is collected, it will be spent, and not wisely either!
-
Man I hope NOT. That is a good reason to stay here in FL. No state income tax! I like GA but not the higher sales tax that applies to everything, and the state income tax.
But no matter how much is collected, it will be spent, and not wisely either!
Yeah, but where's the money gonna from? The old days when we could get by with the "yankee tax" on hotel beds is long gone, property taxes are killing homeowners and sales taxes hurt the poor and business owners. Yet the roads need to be built, the schools improved, the cops need a paycheck etc. There isn't enough fat to cut. Its a problem that could have been prevented with better control over development but the cat has not only left the bag but is currently taking a dump on our bed.
FQ13
-
Yeah, but where's the money gonna from? The old days when we could get by with the "yankee tax" on hotel beds is long gone, property taxes are killing homeowners and sales taxes hurt the poor and business owners. Yet the roads need to be built, the schools improved, the cops need a paycheck etc. There isn't enough fat to cut. Its a problem that could have been prevented with better control over development but the cat has not only left the bag but is currently taking a dump on our bed.
FQ13
How about that crazy idea Reagan talked about, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.
-
How about that crazy idea Reagan talked about, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.
A lost art..
-
How about that crazy idea Reagan talked about, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Let's not get all crazy here!
We need to realize that politicians are working very hard to make sure that the billions of dollars in programs, that someone else would have to pay for, and were out of funding, could still continue in spite of the new billions of dollars worth of new programs announced during a global fiscal crisis. We need to take a careful and balanced approach to resolution for everyone. The lack of predictability in the market does not allow for accurate financial projections that we can prepare for.
***Layman Translation***
They spent all the money and we are broke, now they want to spend more. WHO DIDN'T SEE THIS COMMING???
-
***Layman Translation***
They spent all the money and we are broke, now they want to spend more. WHO DIDN'T SEE THIS COMMING???
They are a bunch of F-ing drug addicts!
-
Does this mean I won't see my application forms for CCW in the mail in the 10 days they promised? ::)
-
Does this mean I won't see my application forms for CCW in the mail in the 10 days they promised? ::)
If you don't see it in the legal timeframe, sue in court and tell all your buddies to do the same. That would get them moving.
-
How about that crazy idea Reagan talked about, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.
True, but this hindsight. Its like telling an unemployed 18 yr old they shouldn't have a kid. Great advice. Now, the bouncing bundle of joy is here, due to politicians of both parties takng the payola, and making promises. What do we do now? Its like the medicare prescription drug benefit. It would've been hard to say no, but easier than saying we'll have to raise taxes to pay for it. The situation in Fl. is harder because we're not talking about luxuries but essentials. Thousands of homes shouldn't have been built, but they were. Tens of thousands of people, now voters, want services, and no one wants to say be careful what you wish for because here's the bill. Everyday this decision is put off, the the bill gets bigger. Personally, I agree with Reagan on one point. Taxes should be visible and painful, just like bills in real life. It makes politicians promises look hollow if you realize that every zoning variance will mean higher school, property and utility fees. As it is though, the bill has come due and we are honor bound to pay.
You can't say that you won't honor promises made by the guys we elected, just because you start to feel the pinch. I wish foks would think this through, but I'm not holding my breath.
FQ13
-
And more of this crap.
Here is an email I got from a buddy when I emailed everyone in my address book with a copy of the letter to the Governor.
Well Richard,
The friggin legislators raided the Inland Protection Trust Fund (IPTF) of over $150 million that was supposed to clean up gasoline spills that contaminate our drinking water!! They left $10 million for a "rainy day". Considering that 90% of our drinking water is at risk and that there are over 450 contaminated sites in Volusia County alone, that level of funding doesn't do squat.
The IPTF is funded from a tax on each gallon of gas sold in Florida. In one fell swoop, the legislators have killed an entire industry (that I worked in for 16 years doing the actual cleanup work and an additional 6 years as a government inspector making sure that the tax dollars for cleanup were used properly).
In a teleconference with Tallahassee today, we were told that there will NOT be any (repeat: not be any) money available until at least October 2009. That means that there are going to be a whole lot of folks (me included) that will have to find a new line of work.
Do you know how to tell if a politician is lying? It's easy... If their lips are moving, they're lying.
Good Luck,
Stirling
-
True, but this hindsight. Its like telling an unemployed 18 yr old they shouldn't have a kid. Great advice. Now, the bouncing bundle of joy is here, due to politicians of both parties takng the payola, and making promises. What do we do now? Its like the medicare prescription drug benefit. It would've been hard to say no, but easier than saying we'll have to raise taxes to pay for it. The situation in Fl. is harder because we're not talking about luxuries but essentials. Thousands of homes shouldn't have been built, but they were. Tens of thousands of people, now voters, want services, and no one wants to say be careful what you wish for because here's the bill. Everyday this decision is put off, the the bill gets bigger. Personally, I agree with Reagan on one point. Taxes should be visible and painful, just like bills in real life. It makes politicians promises look hollow if you realize that every zoning variance will mean higher school, property and utility fees. As it is though, the bill has come due and we are honor bound to pay.
You can't say that you won't honor promises made by the guys we elected, just because you start to feel the pinch. I wish foks would think this through, but I'm not holding my breath.
FQ13
Turn in your Libertarian membership card, FQ.
These comments, along with the "They won't even talk about a state income tax" and "There isn't enough fat to cut" comments earlier indicate a certain willingness to support the government status quo. There is always something to trim - Legislative salaries and perks, insurance, staff. Start non-enforcing specific laws and cut state employees in wholesale numbers. Nowhere is it written that the State (or Federal or even County) gummints are owed a damn thing. Taxes are by consent, not by decree.
-
I know this is a bizarre suggestion but when I can't afford something, I do with out it. I know it's weird and difficult to comprehend but it seems to work, I'm not bankrupt.
-
I know this is a bizarre suggestion but when I can't afford something, I do with out it. I know it's weird and difficult to comprehend but it seems to work, I'm not bankrupt.
That is exactly right..... The same principals and fundamentals that apply to making budget decisions on a MICRO level are just as important on a MACRO level -- but those traitors in Washington are either too dumb to get it or they just dont give a damn. If those fools would learn how to step back and boil it down to what they would do if it was their own personal budget, we would see much more intelligent decisions being made up in Washington.
-
they just dont give a damn.
That's my vote....it's real easy to spend other peoples money! How many times have you seen people buying beer with food stamps, or at least trying too? >:(
-
Follow up from the ILA, bastards...
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/gubernatorial/article1002099.ece
Crist urged to veto budget raid on state's gun funds
By Steve Bousquet, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
In Print: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
TALLAHASSEE — As more people in Florida seek concealed weapons permits, Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson wants Gov. Charlie Crist to veto a $6-million raid on a fund that pays for the program.
Bronson's request presents a timely opportunity for Crist to score political points with gun owners just as he's embarking on a race for the U.S. Senate.
In a letter to Crist, Bronson cited "unprecedented growth" in applications for gun permits that has created a "tremendous backlog" of cases to be processed. All applicants are subject to criminal background checks.
To balance the $66.5 billion state budget that takes effect July 1, legislators swept nearly $600 million from dozens of accounts known as trust funds. Most funds are sustained with fees that pay for specific programs.
The Division of Licensing trust fund consists of fees paid by applicants for concealed weapons permits as well as security, investigative and recovery licenses. Bronson's office said the $6 million sweep would leave between $2 million and $3 million in the fund.
"By law, the department is required to issue licenses within 90 days of receipt of a complete application," Bronson wrote in his letter to Crist dated May 14. "If we do not meet this time frame, an applicant may, by law, request the license to be issued even without the results of the criminal background check being reviewed. We simply cannot process all of these applications in a timely manner because of this unprecedented surge in new applications."
For months, in a trend seen as tied to President Barack Obama's election, the state has been flooded with tens of thousands of applications for concealed-weapons permits. Some retail stores in Florida have reported running out of ammunition as well.
A legislative budget committee in February gave Bronson the okay to spend $3.9 million more to hire 61 temporary workers.
In April, the state received 15,534 concealed weapons permit applications, compared with 9,207 in April a year ago. In March, the state received 12,809 applications, compared with 7,996 for the same month a year earlier.
Bronson's letter follows a similar plea from lobbyist Marion Hammer of the Unified Sportsmen of Florida, an affiliate of the National Rifle Association. She called the trust-fund sweep a tax and an attack on Second Amendment rights.
"In a last minute sneak attack on gun owners, the Florida Legislature raided the concealed weapons and firearms licensing trust fund and created a tax on the exercise of the Second Amendment," Hammer wrote. "That is a de facto tax on gun owners."
Crist, a candidate for the U.S. Senate who is expected to emphasize his support for gun rights, had no immediate reaction to Bronson's request. He has until May 30 to act on the budget.
"The governor appreciates the commissioner's letter. We continue to review the budget," spokeswoman Erin Isaac said Monday.
Bronson told reporters Monday that the sweep of the money caught him by surprise.
"It was all done in the last couple of days of the session. We certainly didn't recommend it," Bronson said. "Because we've had such registrations of concealed weapons permits coming in, we may have to put in more equipment, more modernized equipment, more people to handle the issues."
Times/Herald staff writer Alex Leary contributed to this report. Steve Bousquet can be reached at bousquet@sptimes.com.
[Last modified: May 18, 2009 11:22 PM]
Sneaky politicians,.......didn't read this in the Miami Herald, or the Scum Sentinel.