Pigsty Political Ads

My husband warned me when I first got into politics: you can’t spend much time in the pigsty without starting to smell like the hogs. That warning feels especially true with this year’s political ads.

I’ve tried to stay above the fray by not engaging, but I reached my tipping point at church this week. One of the kindest women I know approached me, visibly concerned about the attack ads targeting Governor Larry Rhoden and Speaker of the House Jon Hansen over taxes. She simply didn’t know what to believe. After I walked her through the actual details, she felt much better. For the record, I don’t know who she’s voting for.

Here’s the problem: when you take kernels of truth, mix them into a vat of pig slop, and let lies spin and ferment, what comes out is pure excrement that stinks to high heaven. So, let’s clear the air with the facts on the three tax measures in question:

1. 1) Statewide Sales Tax Rate Increase - SB 245 (Homeowner Property Tax Reduction Fund)

• This bill creates the Homeowner Property Tax Reduction Fund. It directs the revenue from the scheduled statewide sales tax increase (from 4.2% back to 4.5% starting July 2027) due to a sunset clause into this dedicated fund. The money will offset property taxes on owner-occupied single-family homes, with a focus on reducing the portion that funds public education. In addition, the legislation uses approximately $55–56 million from existing state general fund reserves to deliver immediate property tax relief.

  To be clear: This sales tax increase was already set to happen automatically. Instead of letting the extra revenue flow back into the state’s general coffers for other government spending, the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Legislature chose to direct it back to taxpayers through lower property taxes.

• 2) Optional County Sales Tax - SB 96 (County Option Gross Receipts Tax)

• This bill (Senate Bill 96) allows but does not mandate counties to impose an additional gross receipts/sales tax of up to 0.5%. All revenue generated must be placed into a dedicated property tax reduction fund and used exclusively to reduce property taxes on owner-occupied homes.

  Counties have the flexibility to enact this tax either by a vote of the county commissioners or by putting it to a public vote. This gives local control to counties dealing with high property taxes, allowing them to shift some of the tax burden from property taxes to sales taxes. Voters can still force a public vote through referendum petition if they oppose the commissioner’s decision.

• 3) Optional/Temporary City Sales Tax for Special Projects - HB 1245

  This authorizes but does not mandate municipalities to propose a temporary additional sales tax of up to 1% specifically for major capital/special projects (e.g., arenas, other infrastructure). It requires 60% voter approval and automatically sunsets once the project is funded or after a maximum of 5 years (whichever comes first). Cities must wait 2 years before proposing another. Note: Voters have to approve.

Hopefully, this gives you a clearer and more accurate picture of these new tax policies. You may still disagree, and that’s perfectly fine. At least now you have the real facts after we’ve shoveled away some of the manure.

Friendly Advice: When those pigsty ads pop up, hit the mute button and hold your nose. Or do yourself a favor and just change the channel.