Cooper warns Amendment 3 could put local-government jobs at risk
David CooperDavid Cooper, EARN director at the Economic Policy Institute, in an October 23 analysis
Cooper compares projected funding losses with payroll costs. He estimates roughly 123,000 jobs would be at risk if local governments cut staffing in direct proportion to those losses.
“Florida Amendment 3 would devastate public services across the state.”
Analysis
Where this statement fits
Could Byron Donalds's proposed homestead property-tax relief protect local services?
Byron Donalds has advocated homestead property-tax relief in Florida and a longer-term goal of eliminating those taxes, while suggesting a funding formula for fiscally constrained counties if a 2026 ballot amendment passes. Florida legislative estimates project large local revenue reductions from that amendment; the Florida Association of Counties warns of effects on public services. The ballot measure and Donalds's future goal are related but not identical policies, and a detailed replacement-revenue plan has not been established.
Source and context
Analysis
About this source
David Cooper's analysis for the Economic Policy Institute compares projected revenue losses with local government compensation. The employment figure is conditional on proportional staffing cuts.
Before the quotation
The analysis considers Florida's Amendment 3 alongside a separate Colorado tax proposal.
After the quotation
The Florida section says governments could also cut services, cancel contracts, raise fees or increase other taxes.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is the proposed homestead property-tax relief. Cooper criticizes Amendment 3 for its projected effects on public services and local employment.
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More from this case
Read the full caseSun Sentinel editorial board urges voters to reject Amendment 3
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board
“Amendment 3 is not only unwise; it is unjust.”Read statement
Donalds backs property-tax relief alongside funding for critical services
“We have to make sure that there’s relief in the system while providing the resources we need to fund critical needs and services”Read statement
Donalds defends Amendment 3 and proposes county funding help
“Local governments have to live within their means”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Cooper warns Amendment 3 could put local-government jobs at risk". First published: 2026-10-29. Last updated: 2026-10-29. https://disputeindex.com/events/7160-cooper-compares-projected-funding-losses-with-payroll-costs