Senate backs bill to kill tax check-off

BOISE (AP) - A three-decade-old provision that has allowed Idaho residents to chip in a buck of their taxes to their favorite political party is a step closer to falling victim to a tough economy.

The Idaho Senate Monday voted unanimously to dump the check-off box on Idaho tax forms.

It has already passed the House, 64-1, so it now heads to Gov. Butch Otter's desk for his signature.

Since it was enacted in 1976, this voluntary check-off has shifted $1.6 million from the state general fund to political parties, mostly to Republicans and Democrats.

Though that's only about $35,000 annually in recent years, lawmakers say every penny in tax revenue is necessary in a year when schools, the Department of Health and Welfare and public TV are facing millions combined in budget cuts.

Lawmakers also say they want to remove the state from helping finance partisan political activity.