Revenue windfall wont lower Idahos taxes, but roads or other programs could benefit in 2017

The Idaho Legislature approaches the 2017 session as hungry as ever to cut taxes, with leading proponents hoping improved economic and financial numbers will make 2017 the year they get it done.

Rep. Brent Crane of Nampa, the assistant House Republican majority leader, said he anticipates “robust discussion on tax policy and what we can do to put more money in the taxpayer’s pocket.”

Specific tax cut proposals haven’t changed much, but neither have the arguments against cutting taxes. Specific tax cut plans have died in the Legislature each of the past two years.

But there are other ideas and initiatives that will compete for money in the coming year. Extra funding for teacher salary increases is the biggest number yet: $58 million. And some of the state’s leading business interests tell lawmakers they still see greater benefits from more state investment in education and job development than cutting taxes.

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article122898154.html