THE ISSUE:Doubling the state’s alcohol tax.
OUR VIEW:Many Hoosiers can swallow adding a penny to the price of a can of beer.
At first glance, the plan seems almost too good to be true.
State lawmakers think they can generate $40 million to help Indiana’s cash-strapped cities by doubling the state’s tax on alcohol. The proposal would add about a penny to the price of a can of beer and a dime to the cost of a bottle of wine.
The whole thing started as an effort to rescue the board that runs the professional sports venues in Indianapolis. About $8 million of the revenue would go to that board.
But the rest would be divided among the state’s other cities and towns based on population. Bluffton, a town of about 9,500, would get nearly $100,000 while Marion, a community of about 31,000, would collect $300,000.
As it now stands, the money would go toward economic development, but mayors who appeared before a Senate committee last week said they really needed the money for basic services such as police and fire protection.
The plan might turn out to be a stroke of genius.
The Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board expects to be $47 million short in its operation of Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse, Victory Field and the Indiana Convention Center. That’s way too much money for Indianapolis to come up with on its own, so supporters had to find a way to get help from the rest of the state. They seem to have found it through what would appear to be a relatively painless tax and a plan to offer help to city officials concerned about how they will pay the bills with declining property tax revenues.
It’s hard to say, though, whether the plan will really work.
Some city officials are saying they’ll need far more than the alcohol tax will generate to make up for their declining revenues, and it’s not at all certain that the other aspects of the stadium bailout will fly.
Among other things, the plan includes a tax on Indianapolis hotel rooms that some say would be among the highest in the nation. It also calls for contributions by the Colts and the Pacers, neither of which has agreed to play along.
Still, at a time when the economy is struggling, it would be next to impossible to sell the idea of a general tax increase. Adding a penny to the price of a can of beer, on the other hand, just might win approval.
– Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, and Kokomo Tribune
Opinion
Related Photos
Discussion
Tax plan has shot
- Opinion
-
-
White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
-
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
-
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
-
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
-
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
-
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
-
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
-
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
-
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
-
Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
White shouldn’t return to office
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
