A local sales tax is again on the table in Anchorage. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance proposed a 3% sales tax in November. LaFrance says the tax is needed to expand revenue as the municipality heads toward a “fiscal cliff.”
The measure is before the Anchorage Assembly, which will continue a public hearing on the sales tax on Jan. 13. If approved by the Assembly, voters will have the chance to weigh in on the sales tax during the April municipal election.
The current proposal offers exemptions for most groceries, rent and mortgages, gasoline, utilities and medicine and medical services. Money generated from the tax would be split to support property tax relief, road and public infrastructure rehabilitation, child care access and a $50 million housing fund.
How do you think a sales tax could affect you? Do you think a tax would affect how you shop or do business? We’d like to hear from you.
