Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Three cities in Central Oregon are asking voters to approve a 3 percent sales tax on local sales of marijuana.
City councils in Bend, La Pine and Madras all decided this year to ask voters to approve a local sales tax on weed, one that will go into effect when the state's 25 percent tax drops back to 17 percent at the end of the year.
In Madras and La Pine, the sales tax would be collected only if proposals to ban the sales of recreational marijuana are defeated this fall. The possibility of a ban is not an issue in Bend.
The state does not permit a tax on medical marijuana, so those who use cannabis for medicinal purposes will be exempt from paying either the state or a local tax.
While Oregonians have been notoriously tough on sales tax proposals, this is one they should approve. It applies taxes to pot as the state does to alcohol and tobacco.
Money generated by the 3 percent local tax will go to improve the finances of Bend, Madras and La Pine. Those interested in helping direct that spending can attend local budget meetings and city council sessions to make their feelings known.
Meanwhile, while the money - probably less than $500,000 in Bend's case - won't make cities rich, it can help. Bend has pressing road and affordable housing problems, as one example. The other cities no doubt also have unmet needs. The 3 percent tax will help, and it should be approved.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Editorial - Approve Local Pot Taxes
Author: Staff
Contact: 541-382-1811
Photo Credit: Kevin J. Beaty
Website: The Bulletin
City councils in Bend, La Pine and Madras all decided this year to ask voters to approve a local sales tax on weed, one that will go into effect when the state's 25 percent tax drops back to 17 percent at the end of the year.
In Madras and La Pine, the sales tax would be collected only if proposals to ban the sales of recreational marijuana are defeated this fall. The possibility of a ban is not an issue in Bend.
The state does not permit a tax on medical marijuana, so those who use cannabis for medicinal purposes will be exempt from paying either the state or a local tax.
While Oregonians have been notoriously tough on sales tax proposals, this is one they should approve. It applies taxes to pot as the state does to alcohol and tobacco.
Money generated by the 3 percent local tax will go to improve the finances of Bend, Madras and La Pine. Those interested in helping direct that spending can attend local budget meetings and city council sessions to make their feelings known.
Meanwhile, while the money - probably less than $500,000 in Bend's case - won't make cities rich, it can help. Bend has pressing road and affordable housing problems, as one example. The other cities no doubt also have unmet needs. The 3 percent tax will help, and it should be approved.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Editorial - Approve Local Pot Taxes
Author: Staff
Contact: 541-382-1811
Photo Credit: Kevin J. Beaty
Website: The Bulletin
