Time has come to remove groceries from state sales tax

Everybody eats.

Whether you are a senior citizen, a high school student or purchase groceries for a family of four — you eat.

Years ago the Idaho Legislature devised a grocery credit that would give Idahoans a bit of a rebate on the amount we pay for groceries. This $20 is supposed to help the tax filer save some money on food.

It helps, at least as far as $20 goes at Yoke's or Safeway. The truth is it doesn't go far at all.

During this session, there is a move to help state residents blunt the ever-increasing portion of our budgets that go to food.

On Monday, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter lent his support for increasing the grocery credit for Idaho's lowest-income residents.

Instead of entirely eliminating the tax on groceries, which most people want, House Bill 80 would increase the grocery credit for low-income residents only.

While the amount of the increase hasn't been discussed, it appears it will be under $100 for a family.

State Division of Financial Management Chief Economist Mike Ferguson said Monday raising the tax credit would be easier on retailers who would not have to adjust their registers.

We haven't heard a compelling reason why the state shouldn't take groceries off the tax rolls. Why not tax fast food, tobacco and liquor at current rates while helping Idaho's families afford dinner?

It's our hope our state leaders figure this out and decide to help the state's families, including families thinking about how to afford the next meal.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.