GROCERY TAXES: Legislature needs to make a change

Idaho Grocery Tax Credits are a farce.

In grocery stores in Idaho the state takes their 6% pound of flesh every time we buy food and goods we need. Representatives tout the increase of the grocery credit in 2024 from $100 to $120 per year for taxpayers and family members in a household. For over 65, it goes from $120 to $140 per tax year. Perhaps some prices will drop as trucking and gas costs slip back to pre-inflation rates — we can dream!

With a two-person household grocery bill jumping from $140 per week to $200 a week for a total of $10,400 per annum in 2022 the state takes $624 now versus $437 a year ago. When our representatives won the extra $20 it actually amounted to something. 2022 has brought a windfall profit to Idaho coffers of 33% per household. For low-income earners and retirees juggling skyrocketing costs of health care, grocery and housing Idaho hurts them.

If the state really needs grocery income for their coffers I suggest reducing the grocery tax to 3% for all except Alcohol. The 3% plus alcohol tax should be directed to state and local police to pick up the pieces wrought by alcohol related incidents. With 2022 inflation, the state of Idaho has made windfall profits on 6% grocery taxation that has only harmed its citizens. The elected Boise folks should skip their steak — try the Kraft Mac and Cheese of the working poor.

LYNN M. FLEMING

Coeur d’Alene