Let's Not Report it ALL !

Heavy tax increases in Utah were not reported to the Associated Press in their national survey for increased taxes by state

Beehive State feels tax sting

By Bob Bernick Jr.

Deseret Morning News

Utah has actually raised more taxes and fees than the Associated Press listed in a comprehensive investigation of economically troubled state governments.

The 2003 Legislature approved placing state and local sales tax on cable and satellite TV bills, as the AP noted. State officials estimate receiving about $14 million from that tax hike, said Lynne Ward, Gov. Mike Leavitt's budget director.

Two years ago the Legislature increased the tobacco tax by 18 cents per cigarette pack. That brought in $13.8 million more. But only 42 percent of that went to balancing the state budget; the rest went to anti-tobacco and cancer-fighting programs.

And lawmakers also placed new and higher fees on low-level radioactive and hazardous waste disposal and even placed some new taxes on regular garbage disposal. That will bring in an extra $2.2 million, officials say.

In addition, the wholesale beer tax was raised this year by about 1 cent per can. The tax goes from $11 per barrel of beer to $12.80, bringing in an estimated $1.6 million more.

And in a sweeping rewrite of state wine and alcohol law, the state's mark-up on booze went from 61 percent to 64.5 percent. That should bring in an additional $3.8 million.

A $25 surcharge was placed on most state court filing fees. That should bring in $2 million more.

Finally, pending approval by a state parks board, legislators authorized repeal of the senior citizen "Fun Tag," which allowed Utah senior citizens to get into state parks free. Instead of making seniors pay the full entrance fee, however, the board may only make them pay half the regular entrance fee, park officials say.