Saturday, September 29, 2007

Garcia: "I think we're there"

Our hero, Valde Garcia. Christine is probably laughing about that one right now.


Asked whether a budget agreement is in the works today, Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Howell, said: "Barring any last-minute glitches, I think we're there."


Looks like they are going for a tax on discretionary services, and they are printing the bill as I type.


A sales tax on services, which is being considered as part of a package to erase the state's budget deficit, would extend to discretionary services only, according to state Treasurer Robert Kleine.


Discussions are focusing on expanding the 6 percent sales tax to services such as landscaping, dry cleaning, golf fees and possibly sports tickets, said Kleine, who has been involved in talks on the service levy.


"It's discretionary only," Kleine said, adding that services deemed unavoidable, such as plumbing and car repair, are not included. He said entertainment tickets for movies and sporting events "have been on and off the list."


Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, said: "Everything you could arguably say is a rich-guy service is on there."


A joint House-Senate conference committee on the service tax met briefly Saturday and then recessed. Rep. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, chair of the committee, said members were waiting for the bill to be printed.


You know, I think if we just do a 2% deal across the board, we wouldn't have to raise the income tax! Doesn't that sound better?


Maybe someday they will understand.