Her bill would exempt food, medicine, diapers and other items
Senator Régine Biscoe Lee
The common criticism of sales taxes over many years is that they are regressive. In other words, persons with the lowest incomes have roughly the same requirements for food and other necessities as those with the highest incomes, resulting, effectively, in a tax on the poor.
According to a news release from Sen. Regine Biscoe Lee, "Many jurisdictions, including California, exempt from sales tax categories like these including certain food products for human consumption (many groceries), prescription medicine, and certain medical devices.
The 2-percent sales tax would take effect Oct. 1, allowing time for the adoption, review and legislative approval of the rules and regulations governing the administration of the new tax. It's apparently will be largely across the board as far as these necessities.
Biscoe Lee voted against the tax increase bill, but she remains committed to finding ways to mitigate the impact of the implementation of the sales tax increase on Guam’s families."
“Although I voted against a sales tax," Biscoe-Lee said, "I hope to again secure the support of my colleagues for the Working Families Relief Act to ensure families can afford to buy these basic necessities. Just as other states have concluded, I believe we all can come together to strengthen and support our families by ensuring that groceries, diapers, medicine and feminine hygiene products be exempt from sales tax. Passing this bill will directly support and strengthen Guam’s families and the businesses who serve them."
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