Idaho Gov. Otter asks state lawmakers to boost grocery tax credit, despite budget woes

Idaho gov to lawmakers: Boost grocery tax credit

BOISE, Idaho — Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter says Idaho’s budget may be precarious, but he still aims to save Idaho residents an extra $15 million this year on their food purchases.

In his State of the State speech Monday, Otter said he wants to continue expanding Idaho’s grocery tax credit.

In 2008, he and lawmakers approved the measure to boost rebates that Idaho residents receive annually to offset the 6 percent sales tax they pay on groceries.

Now, Otter says, “We agreed on the importance of providing some relief for the neediest and most vulnerable among us from what then was a new increase in our state sales tax.”

According to his plan, the rebate would rise to $70 for each member of a family of four earning less than about $25,000 annually.

The rebates are due to rise by $10 annually to a maximum of $100, and $120 for seniors — if lawmakers don’t call for them to be delayed, a distinct possibility amid a budget crisis.