Tax hike to be decided by Arizona voters in May

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

The seemingly never ending debate over the temporary sales tax increase has been decided. Law-makers voted Thursday, 34 to 25, to refer the 1 cent increase to the May 18 ballot.

For over a year Governor Brewer has advocated for the temporary increase, to bring in much needed revenue, however Democrats and a few Republicans continually argued against it. Mesa Representative Rich Crandall stated to the Arizona Republic that he would be “much more comfortable with this referral than with more debt.”

It is estimated that raising the sales tax to 6.6% would bring in roughly $940 million, revenue the state desperately needs, but will voters agree?

For those law-makers in favor of the tax increase, referring the decision to voters is a risky proposition. While having to make hard financial decisions, on a personal level, voters continue to witness the out of control spending by law-makers. They are frustrated over the legislator’s ongoing failure to pass and adhere to a budget. And they are angry that their government refuses to make necessary cuts in order to allow Arizona to thrive. On May 18 voters will have their say; it is what they will say that will prove interesting.

http://www.examiner.com/x-9384-Mesa-Indepe...s-voters-in-May

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Let the people decide. Good.

[SunDrop 59]

Weird, the sales tax in Tucson AZ is 9.6%...

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Weird, the sales tax in Tucson AZ is 9.6%...

Sounds like you are paying 4% in local sales taxes. I think the California state rate is around 8.25%, but we are paying 9% in Sonoma County, and 9.25% in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. Add that to one of the highest income taxes in the nation for top earners, higher that average fuel tax, and property taxes, you wonder why the state could possibly be going broke.

[SunDrop 59]

Sounds like you are paying 4% in local sales taxes. I think the California state rate is around 8.25%, but we are paying 9% in Sonoma County, and 9.25% in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. Add that to one of the highest income taxes in the nation for top earners, higher that average fuel tax, and property taxes, you wonder why the state could possibly be going broke.

Ahhhh, ok. Makes sense now. The whole concept of sales tax being added at the checkout is just weird to me. I'm used to it being included in the price. But I can't complain because even 10.6% is better than the 17.5% we pay here!