Idaho’s Governor Open to Tax Cuts

BOISE, Id –For the past few years, Idaho’s Governor has talked about holdbacks, as the economy forced the state to cut funds.  This year, Butch Otter is talking about tax cuts which he outlined in his annual address to the legislature today.  He wants to set aside 45-million dollars, for what he calls “tax relief,” in 2013.

Butch Otter “I have been discussing the form of that tax relief for some time now, with legislative leaders, business groups, tax experts and our citizens. There remains a wide diversity of opinion on how best to target tax relief.”

Otter says he’s heard plenty of ideas.  But he hasn’t come up with a specific plan.  Instead, he hopes to work with the Legislature to find a way to cut 45-million in Idaho taxes.

Butch Otter  “I look forward to hearing your proposals and working with you on responsible and forward-looking ways to keep more of our taxpayers’ money in their pockets, where it will do our communities and our people the most good.”[applause out]

Otter has mentioned some possibilities, including eliminating the personal property tax or providing tax credits.  He’s also broached cutting the individual income tax down to the level of the corporate income tax.  And he’s looked at reducing both corporate and individual income taxes to 7 percent, over three or four years.

Copyright 2012 BSPR