2012 House Bill 354: Eliminates sales tax exemption on several industries, services, and products. Reduces sales tax from 6 to 5-percent. (Freedom Index: -7)

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Introduced by Rep. Shirley G. Ringo (D) on January 10, 2012, will eliminate sales tax exemptions on several tax-exempt industries and products. The overall sales tax would be reduced to 5-percent, but the net effect would increase state sales tax revenues at an estimated $400 million per year. The bill receives an overall Freedom Index score of -7. (Positive scores indicate legislation favors the free market, while negative scores indicate legislation that negatively impact free markets.) The legislation receives its negative marks for imposing new taxes, totaling $400 million on the Idaho economy. That fact quickly overshadows the positive points of the bill – reducing the overall tax rate while eliminating some tax breaks that are not free market in nature. For full analysis, go to: House Bill 354 analysis or to view all legislation listed on the Freedom Index watch, click here.

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1) Re: 2012 House Bill 354 (Eliminates sales tax exemption on several industries, services, and products. Reduces sales tax from 6 to 5-percent) by jare on January 13, 2012
I might support this tax hike if retail sales of food were exempted. Everyone has to eat, and poor people have a large chunk of their budgets consumed by food purchases. regressive is the name for this sales tax proposal.
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2) 2012 House Bill 354 (Eliminates sales tax exemption on several industries, services, and products. Reduces sales tax from 6 to 5-percent) by admin on January 13, 2012
Introduced in the House on January 10, 2012

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