Edit: Speaker’s Idea Deserves Look

The Bedke “tax shift,” which would reduce Idaho income tax rates and pay for it by ending the $80-per-person grocery tax credit claimed by middle- and high-income Idahoans, is a welcome idea that deserves consideration — and maybe some tweaking this week by the Legislature. House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, (pictured) unveiled the shift concept Tuesday during a luncheon speaking engagement at the Andrus Center in Boise. Though his proposal did not set the room on fire, we hope Idahoans and the Legislature will realize the principle of the idea — to repurpose a block of money that can benefit the state in the long term. Low income families and the elderly would keep their grocery credit. An estimated $70 million to $80 million would be generated because middle and higher income residents would no longer get the credit, thus allowing Idaho’s tax rate to drop to 6.95 percent from the present 7.4/ Idaho Statesman Editorial Board . More here.

Thoughts?