No better time for Scottsdale to eliminate sales tax on food
OPINION — Recently, the Independent reported on Scottsdale’s large revenue increases. Normally, such good fortune would be greeted with applause and high-fives for everyone that made it happen. Of course, no one on council or staff made it happen…they don’t “earn” revenues, they just “take” them.
Council was told a major reason for the increase in sales tax revenues is the effects of inflation associated with global instabilities. That makes the windfall sound a bit remote and disconnected from the daily lives of Scottdale citizens.
Truth is, the city’s inflation increase in sales tax receipts is a direct consequence of higher prices paid for goods and services; the city’s “gain” is directly proportional to the “loss” our citizens and visitors experience.
It would have been nice if someone on council had shown a little empathy and suggested ways to help our neediest citizens who struggle meeting daily needs. Yes, we have such people in Scottsdale! I see them when I volunteer at the Scottsdale food bank.)
It’s ironic that the picture accompanying the Independent’s report was of a grocery store. Make no mistake, the increase in sales tax revenue is partially because food prices have increased; the city’s tax of 1.70% on groceries moves in lockstep with food prices. If the average family must spend $100 more on groceries because of inflation, council has empowered the grocery store to assess another $1.70 for the city.
Wouldn’t you think one councilmember might have suggested eliminating the 1.70% sales tax we impose on groceries? They all know a sales tax on food is – hands down – the most regressive, punitive tax any government can impose on its citizens. And council has been reminded it only takes four courageous votes to eliminate the sales tax on groceries.
What better time?
Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
