FOOD-TAX CUT IS SPREAD MORE EVENLY

In a policy reversal that makes sense, Missouri's director of revenue has cleared the air a bit regarding this year's reduction in state sales tax for groceries.

When the tax cut went into effect Oct. 1, Janette Lohman's agency set guidelines that followed federal rules for food stamps. This meant some stores that sold limited food items still were required to charge the state sales tax on groceries, while supermarkets stopped charging the extra 3 cents on every dollar of purchases.

But the intent of the Legislature was clear: eliminate the state sales tax on all groceries, regardless of where they are purchased. Lohman agreed last week, and stores that sell only a few food items are programming their cash registers to eliminate the state sales tax.

There was enough confusion about the tax cut already, because many prepared foods are still taxable. At least the consistent application of the tax cut to all groceries, regardless of where they are bought, comes closer to giving Missourians the break they thought they were getting -- and deserve.