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Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has opened the door to delaying the next scheduled increase in the state’s grocery tax credit, possibly saving the state from another $15 million-plus in budget cuts next year that could otherwise hit public schools. “There’s cost vs. value there,” Otter said in an interview with the editorial board of the Twin Falls Times-News; the governor’s office posted a link to video of his comments on the state’s Web site. “I think we would suffer if we can’t do all that’s possible to do for K-12.”
Otter emphasized that he’s “not going to get out in front of the Legislature” on the issue, but made it clear he’d consider a delay - something he starkly foreclosed this year, even faced with widespread budget cuts. Jon Hanian, Otter’s press secretary, said, “What he said there I think speaks for itself.” He added, “He’ll weigh anything that is brought to him, in terms of trying to figure out how we get through this difficult period.” You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.
Betsy Z. Russell covers Idaho news from The Spokesman-Review's bureau in Boise.
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Gary Ingram on October 19 at 8:09 p.m.
Remember this is a Sales Tax Credit on Groceries purchased upon which a sales tax is added. So, if the state renegs on the increased credit, essentiality it is an increase in the sales tax paid on food to support K-12 public schools. Let's call it what it is.
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Sisyphus on October 20 at 12:15 p.m.
Stickin' it to the poor. Sales tax is the most regressive of taxes which hits the poor the hardest. The increased credit was to ameliorate this injustice just a little. Now that times are hard, the Republicans are going after those least able to pay, bringing us to lose-lose.
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palousian on October 20 at 12:21 p.m.
Otter is trying to cast this as a hit to K-12, but sales tax goes to the entire general fund, not just the schools. Shame on you, Butch!
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