SL Businesses Unlikely to Support TRAX Bond

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Don't look for a big business push in support of the taxpayer bond to pay for new TRAX lines in Salt Lake County this November:

"The executive committee of the Salt Lake Chamber has passed a resolution opposing the property tax increase for transportation," says Salt Lake Chamber Vice President Natalie Gochnour.

She adds the Chamber agrees new TRAX lines are necessary, but advocates a sales tax increase to pay for them, as well as new roads. Local business leaders argue that sales taxes are paid more equally by Utahns - and by tourists who visit the state. Utah County officials have decided to put just such a tax hike on their November ballot.

"We're very encouraged by what's going on in Utah County," says Gochnour. "They're looking at a balanced solution to transportation and recognizing the importance of commuter rail. But Salt Lake County doesn't have that ability. They need legislative approval to put a sales tax increase on the ballot."

According Gochnour, the chamber has not yet decided to launch a campaign against the November bond initiative, but will continue pushing the legislature for the ability to raise sales taxes.

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