JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Clay Deputy David White, Columbia Corrections Officer Rubin Thomas, and Army Sargent Dick Lee were all killed protecting our communities.
They leave behind wives and young children. And under Amendment 9, their families would not have to pay property taxes on their homes.
"The spouses that are left behind also make big sacrifices bringing up families," said military wife Margie Dean. "And they try to make it on their own while the other spouse was fighting for the country."
Representative Shawn Harris of Tampa wrote the bill. And it was approved unanimously by the House and Senate. Now voters will decide if this tax break will go into Florida's constitution.
"They do deserve a little recognition and that would be a good way to do it," said Dean. "Once that spouse is gone, it's hard to maintain that household on whatever benefits they have."
60-percent of voters have to vote yes for Amendment 9 to go into effect. "We should protect the families of the veterans that sacrifice it all," said Dean.
"We owe it to them," said military wife, Peg Dougherty.
It's an exemption what would save thousands in taxes for surviving husbands and wives of officers, firefighters, paramedics and military members killed in the line of duty.
