Otter: Don’t repeal the grocery tax

Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter says Idaho lawmakers should not repeal the state’s grocery tax, adding that he sees no reason to change the current system. Otter sent a letter to House Speaker Scott Bedke and Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill Thursday stating his opposition just after the Senate surprised legislative leadership by rewriting a tax cut plan to repeal the 6 percent sales tax on groceries. The proposal still needs to clear both the House and the Senate before the Idaho Legislature hopes to adjourn by March 24. Thirty-seven states currently do not tax groceries. In Idaho, the grocery tax is offset with a $100 credit available to families when they file their taxes. The Republican governor stopped short of saying he would veto any grocery tax repeal proposal that came across his desk.