Tax Bill Will Extend Session

Idaho House Republican leaders introduced complicated legislation Wednesday to make big changes in Idaho’s tax system – lowering the top income tax rate, removing the sales tax from groceries and raising the gas tax by 7 cents a gallon.

The sweeping proposal was introduced just two days before lawmakers had hoped to adjourn their session this year. They acknowledged it will go at least into next week.

House Speaker Scott Bedke said the tax bill, along with other measures that are now moving forward, matches his initial goals for this year’s legislative session: to make significant improvements in education and in transportation infrastructure, and to make Idaho more attractive to businesses. The House already has endorsed a $125 million, five-year plan to boost teacher pay; that measure won unanimous support from a Senate committee Wednesday afternoon. Also, several other bills to boost road funding have been introduced/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.