Legislature should set sun on sales tax 'gift'

A penny saved may be a penny yearned in the Legislature next year

Did you ever notice the quietest time in your home was right before the baby woke up from a nap? I'm afraid that is what is going on in Boise this year at the state Legislature.

The infant is asleep this year because there seems to be enough money in the coffers to fund education, some road improvements and other state-supported entities.

There also seems to be enough time on everyone's hands in Boise to discuss many topics that don't quite rise to the level of statewide importance but since all of our greatest minds are gathered in one place at one time, why not?

The baby is going to be wide awake next year, crying and probably in desperate need of a diaper change.

The difference? This year our elected leaders have a $177-million windfall as a result of a 1-cent sales tax increase to work into the $2 billion annual budget.

There is a sunset clause on the 1-cent tax increase that will lower the sales tax back to what is was prior to the increase. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

Well, not quite.

There are a few legislators who are enamored with the idea of making the penny increase permanent. Thankfully, none of the ones we voted in are on that side of the aisle.

Our leaders need to keep their word that the tax increase was temporary. Our governor needs to enforce that problem.

So what about this sleeping baby? It would be our hope that our leaders would act as if this $177-million gift this year no longer exists and hold back the temptation to spend beyond our means.

Our leaders need to wean themselves away from this one-time present and do what's best for our state this year and next.

David Keyes is the publisher of the Bee.