Amendment 3 promises property tax relief for some Florida homeowners, but two Suncoast nonprofits are asking voters to consider the other side of the ledger. NAMI Central Suncoast and United Way Suncoast say the measure could lead to county budget cuts that reduce funding for local services, including free peer support groups and education classes in Sarasota and Manatee counties. NAMI’s CEO says the organization is already near capacity, and cuts could mean fewer groups and classes rather than closed doors.
United Way Suncoast says the concern extends across the nonprofit sector: if local governments trim budgets, charities are left filling gaps that donations alone can’t cover. NAMI staff member Jennifer Propsem, a parent helped by the organization, says cuts to family and youth programs would be especially painful.
Both organizations emphasize they are not taking a position on Amendment 3. Their goal is education, making sure voters understand what’s attached to the question before polls open Tuesday morning. Have you read the full amendment yet? Let us know how you’re approaching the down-ballot questions this year.
