Discussions underway to remove food sales tax in Utah, governor says
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Gov. Spencer Cox said he wants to see Utah’s sales tax on food eliminated, and he believes there’s some momentum around it as the legislative session gets underway.
“I’ll be really honest with you,” he told KUTV 2News in a one-on-one interview Wednesday afternoon, “I don’t think it’s lip service this time.”
But, he added, “that doesn’t mean it’s going to pass.”
Calls for getting rid of the state sales tax on food have grown louder in the past year or so. Two bills have already been filed again on Capitol hill – one from a Republican, another from a Democrat – to remove it.
Cox said discussions are underway right now.
“It’s just hurting those who can least afford it, and I think we can afford to get rid of it,” he said.
Outside Harmons in downtown Salt Lake City, shopper Sasha Mansure said the food tax adds “an undue strain” on families.
“I don’t really think it should be there, especially during these times where the economy keeps fluctuating,” Mansure said. “Every dollar counts when you’re living paycheck to paycheck.”
But removing the food tax is complicated. Legislative leaders have repeatedly said an earmark that uses income tax money for public education ties their hands.
The governor told KUTV 2News discussions are also underway to change that, but it would have to be approved by voters since it requires changing the state constitution.
“I don’t view [removing the earmark] as a requirement,” said Cox, “but I think it will be part of the discussion.”
Mansure hopes the food tax will be gone soon. But Amber Alleman, who was also shopping at Harmons on Wednesday, does not.
“I hope that they keep the food tax because that’s one thing that everybody pays,” said Alleman. “Not everybody pays real estate taxes because not everybody owns real estate, but everybody has to pay a food tax.”
Lawmakers will debate this and other issues when the legislative session begins next Tuesday.
