Would a sales tax hike help Idaho?
BOISE -- With state lawmakers facing an even more dire economic forecast, many worry further budget cuts in critical areas such as education or health and welfare will dramatically hurt the well-being of Idahoans.
But is there an alternative to simply cutting?
Maybe increasing the sales tax by one penny -- from the current six cents to seven cents -- would help.
We asked people in downtown Boise how they would react to that idea. Some people we talked to were doubtful, saying there must be a better way.
"I mean if that's what they come up, it's not that big of a deal," said Judy Off. "But it seems it just keeps going up. They say they'll take it away, but they don't."
According to state economist Mike Ferguson, a penny hike in the sales tax would raise $185 million annually, based on fiscal year 2010 numbers.
Most people we talked to would accept a penny increase, especially to help schools.
"Our future is in our youth," said Craig Hiner. "If we don't educate them properly, our future is bleak."
"If it was dedicated to education, and only education, I would absolutely support it, said Brian Snapp.
"I'm not entirely opposed to that," said Tara Polley. "Education is really important. If they were to raise it by a penny, that's ok."
But critics say raising the sales tax would add more of a financial burden on Idahoans, especially the unemployed.
To be clear -- the legislature is not officially considering any sales tax increase at this time.
But is there an alternative to simply cutting?
Maybe increasing the sales tax by one penny -- from the current six cents to seven cents -- would help.
We asked people in downtown Boise how they would react to that idea. Some people we talked to were doubtful, saying there must be a better way.
"I mean if that's what they come up, it's not that big of a deal," said Judy Off. "But it seems it just keeps going up. They say they'll take it away, but they don't."
According to state economist Mike Ferguson, a penny hike in the sales tax would raise $185 million annually, based on fiscal year 2010 numbers.
Most people we talked to would accept a penny increase, especially to help schools.
"Our future is in our youth," said Craig Hiner. "If we don't educate them properly, our future is bleak."
"If it was dedicated to education, and only education, I would absolutely support it, said Brian Snapp.
"I'm not entirely opposed to that," said Tara Polley. "Education is really important. If they were to raise it by a penny, that's ok."
But critics say raising the sales tax would add more of a financial burden on Idahoans, especially the unemployed.
To be clear -- the legislature is not officially considering any sales tax increase at this time.
