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This November, voters in Miami Beach have the chance to make a real difference in addressing homelessness – by voting YES on Referendum 8 on a common-sense solution for homelessness that doesn’t burden residents
This referendum isn’t about adding a new tax on residents, but instead proposes a 1-penny surcharge on food and beverage sales at establishments heavily frequented by tourists. It’s a small step that can make a big impact, generating $10 to $12 million annually to support the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. With homelessness and domestic violence issues affecting our community, now is the time to act.
In 2021, Miami Beach residents overwhelmingly supported the idea of this surcharge through a non-binding straw ballot. This year’s vote is an opportunity to put that vision into action. By approving this penny surcharge, we can ensure that tourists, who are a significant part of our economy, contribute to solving one of the region’s most pressing issues. The best part? Residents won’t pay a dime.
Homelessness is a regional issue, and while Miami Beach might only be a small part of the problem, we certainly feel its effects. People experiencing homelessness don’t stay within city borders; they move throughout the area, impacting all of us. Right now, Miami Beach, is among the last few municipalities in Miami-Dade County that doesn’t collect this surcharge to support the Homeless Trust. It’s only fair that Miami Beach aligns with the rest of the county in addressing this issue.
The funds raised through this surcharge will go directly to the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, a public-private partnership that has already led to a 90 percent decrease in homelessness since its inception. These funds will help the Homeless Trust expand its critical work in offering shelters, support services, and pathways to permanent housing. They will also contribute to domestic violence shelters, ensuring that those affected have a safe place to go. We are not reinventing the wheel her – this model is already working in other municipalities across Miami-Dade, and now is the time for Miami Beach to step up.
The need for this referendum is more urgent than ever. Recent changes to Florida law now prohibit sleeping or camping on public property, leaving local governments like Miami Beach to manage the fallout. If we don’t provide adequate shelter and services, we risk legal consequences. This surcharge will allow Miami Beach to fund the necessary resources to not only comply with these laws but also address the root causes of homelessness, rather than simply shifting the problem from one place to another.
The alternative is unacceptable. We can either pay to house people in jail or to arrest them on the streets, or we can use these funds to help them get off the streets for good. This penny surcharge isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s a practical solution that helps the city avoid legal and financial risks while creating a path to long-term success.
In addition to the benefits for the homeless population, this surcharge will also fund critical services for victims of domestic violence, another pressing issue in our community. These resources will help create centers, programs, and shelters to support survivors and provide them with a path to safety and recovery.
Voting YES on Referendum 8 isn’t just about fairness; it’s about making Miami Beach a better, more inclusive place for everyone. It’s about stepping up to take responsibility and contribute to a solution that works. This referendum offers us the chance to tackle homelessness head-on, generate funding without burdening residents, and support the essential work of the Homeless Trust.
Now is the time to act. Absentee ballots are already hitting mailboxes, and Election Day is Nov. 5. Miami Beach, we have the power to make a lasting impact on our community. Let’s vote YES on Referendum 8 and do our part to ensure a brighter, more compassionate future for everyone.
Let’s solve homelessness, not just shuffle it around. Vote YES for Miami Beach Referendum 8
