I-1634 adds protection

While a recent Spokesman-Review article criticized the I-1634 campaign for its television advertisements, the truth is that voters passed this measure because they understood the loophole in state law allowing a “privilege tax” to be placed on any product at any time, posing a real threat to the price of groceries.

We all understood that the campaign was funded by beverage companies, but as noted in the Spokesman editorial endorsement in support of I-1634, on this issue they shared many of the concerns Spokane proprietors feel about keeping their businesses viable. I was happy to be part of the Yes! To Affordable Groceries initiative and I wasn’t alone. Fellow members of grocers’ associations, farmers, business owners and many others had many different reasons to support I-1634, but they all centered around the issues of fairness and affordability.

As a grocer, I do all I can to make sure my customers can afford the goods that I sell. That’s getting harder every day. Small businesses like mine and our most vulnerable customers feel the weight of new taxes. The passage of I-1634 adds a level of protection and eliminates a concern we all shared.

Kevin Roark, Bargain Giant Foods

Spokane