Connecting Property Tax Dots

Excellent article by Kevin Richert/The EDge connects the dots between the supplemental levies passed throughout Idaho Tuesday and the push to repeal part or all of the personal property tax:

And the results add more resonance to House Speaker Scott Bedke’s (pictured) remarks later that day. Speaking at an Idaho Press Club luncheon, Bedke pointed out that Idaho has gradually eliminated personal property taxes for over a century. (IACI president Alex LaBeau has made that point in arguing for a full repeal.) But every time the state has pared back the personal property tax, the state has covered the difference with new income or sales taxes — or used robust state revenue growth to pay for the tax relief. This time, lawmakers are debating property tax relief without a clear way to replace the revenue. And this, said Bedke, may explain the lack of a “clear consensus” on repeal. Kevin’s full post here.

Question: Should the Idaho Legislature touch the personal property tax without a clear means to replace the lost revenue that could hamstring some school districts?