POLITICS + GOVERNMENT

Bill package to eliminate food tax to be considered

SALT LAKE CITY– A bill that includes a large tax cut is likely to be heard soon in the Utah legislature. H.B. 54 includes language eliminating the state’s sales tax on food.

Initially, bills to remove the state portion of food sales tax were being run separately. Now, they’ve been folded into H.B.54.

However, voters must first approve loosening up an earmark for income tax which is used for education. With only a few days left in the 2023 session, Utah lawmakers are still working to strike a deal with education groups over what that language.

H.B. 54, sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, also cuts the income tax rate, expands eligibility for those on social security, and offers tax relief for pregnant people and those using the Earned Income Tax Credit.

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