Proposition 316State law · Put on the ballot by lawmakers
Cap local grocery taxes
Explain it like I'm 5
This would limit how cities and towns tax qualifying food bought to take home. It is like putting a lock on the local grocery-tax dial unless voters approve a change.
Yes vote
New or higher local taxes on qualifying food and certain nonalcoholic drinks would require voter approval and generally could not exceed 2%.
No vote
Local governments would keep their current authority over these taxes, subject to other state law.
The question to ask yourself
Should voters approve local grocery-tax increases, even when cities need additional revenue for services?
The case for
- May protect household budgets because food is a basic need.
- Lets local voters decide whether grocery taxes should rise.
- Creates a predictable ceiling for qualifying local food taxes.
Backed by: No organized campaign found
The case against
- Could reduce local revenue for public services.
- Limits local governments' control over tax choices.
- A uniform cap may not fit communities with different budget needs.
Opposed by: No organized opposition found
- Money
- The 2% cap could restrict local revenue; no statewide revenue effect is estimated.
- Don't be misled
- It does not necessarily erase every existing local grocery tax; it mainly restricts new taxes and future increases.