Letter to Editor | Every penny counts

||| FROM BILL APPEL |||

ESHB2442 passed by the 2026 Legislature provides that [quoting from the legislature’s final report] “Beginning January 1, 2027, the legislative authority of a county or city may impose a new sales and use tax at a rate of up to 0.01 percent. Revenue from this tax may only be used for the purpose of providing services that assist children and their families, including child care, before- and after-school care that addresses health, social, and behavioral issues, and perinatal support services. If both a county and city within the county impose the tax, the county must provide a credit against its tax to the extent necessary to prevent the combined tax rate from exceeding 0.01 rate.” 

Yes, it’s a tax. But considering he large portion of our sales taxes comes from visitors, we should be prepared to contribute our share to the betterment of our community, particularly the future members of our community.