Grace Palo
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Today, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to place a meals tax referendum on the ballot for the November 8, 2016 general election.
Voters will have the opportunity to vote for or against implementing a 4 percent tax on prepared meals in Fairfax County.
“This action will allow Fairfax County residents to decide whether the County has a meals tax,” Chairman Sharon Bulova said. “If implemented, the meals tax could generate nearly $100 million for Fairfax County Public Schools, capital improvements, property tax relief, and other County services.”
A meals tax currently exists in the towns of Herndon and Vienna, in the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, and Alexandria, and in Arlington County.
The single industry food tax has been rejected by voters in Fairfax County and neighboring jurisdictions who believe a ten percent tax on prepared food at grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and convenience stores is just too much.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors cannot directly campaign on the behalf of the meals tax, but are instead relying on advocates to get the word out and educate the voters.
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(Photo: CNN)
