Grocery Tax
http://www.newsok.com/appetite-may-grow-for-oklahoma-food-tax-break/article/3341492
While researching this story, I quickly learned that there are many varied, valid and complex viewpoints to be considered. I also realized that Oklahoma isn’t the only state debating the topic. Alabama is discussing similar legislation that would repeal the state’s sales tax on groceries.
Like Oklahoma, much of the money collected from the tax goes toward public education. But there, like here, people are divided on how exactly to put the plan in action.
The Associated Press reported on Jan. 23 that the majority of legislators in that state favor one of two plans that would eliminate or phase out the grocery sales tax.
Arguments in Alabama are similar to those here. Many think reshuffling taxes is not a good idea during a stumbling economy while some argue that it is only fair to put money back in the hands of the people who need it most.
I also received many comments from readers here regarding this story. Here are a few:
A. Thomas from Chickasha touched on an issue that many others echoed in their emails: “I do not think people should pay taxes on utilities or food or the everyday essentials that are required to sustain life.”
Mark Roye of Wilburton said that he thinks eliminating the tax is long overdue. “It will have an immediate effect on everyone, not just the few,” he said.
James Warren of Oklahoma City thought that naysayers must be forgetting something: “Who wouldn’t benefit from a repeal of the sales tax on food? Are there Oklahomans who don’t eat?
Thank you to everyone who shared their opinions. This is exactly the discussion that needs to be had as we debate changes that could affect us all.
