Today is the final day of the 2007 legislative session. Legislators plan to work from 9 a.m. until midnight. Caucus lunch break is at noon, and dinner is from 6 to 7. One hundred eighteen bills are on floor calendars, with more to come from Rules Committees.
The OMNIBUS TAX BILL, Second Substitute SB 223, is on the House Board. It sets the income tax rate at 5% for everyone beginning in 2008. All taxpayers, except some making $250,000 to $600,000, should receive cuts. The state sales tax on groceries will be 1.75 percent instead of 2.75 percent, and the state part of the sales tax will be 4.65 percent instead of 4.75 percent. Transit districts and resort communities can raise their sales tax rates slightly to make up for cuts, but other special sales taxes like the ZAP tax will get less revenue. SB 223 includes renewable energy credits for businesses and individuals, research and development credits and a retirement credit. All in all, the cuts will cost the state $211 million.
Third Substitute SB 246 also awaits House approval. It does not ban lobbyist gifts, but increases reporting and disclosure of which legislators receive them.
Second Substitute SB 194 would make State Board of Education elections partisan. State school board candidates currently do not run as nominees of political parties.
SB 251 directs colleges and universities to regulate concealed weapon permit holders in two ways. A dormitory resident can request a roommate who does not have a concealed carry permit. And faculty or staff members can post a sign to keep concealed weapons out of their offices.
On the Senate Board, HB 174 is ready for final approval. It amends the EDUCATION VOUCHERS bill. Faculty background checks, verification of parent
income, an earlier audit of private schools and an extra $100,000 to the State Office of Education to oversee the program are proposed. Substitute HB 102 appropriates $3 million each for watershed rehabilitation, the LERAY MCALLISTER CRITICAL LAND CONSERVATION FUND, and the RANGELAND IMPROVEMENT FUND.
And that's our report.
Sandy Peck
League of Women
Voters,
(801)272-8683 fax (801)272-5942
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