Committee OKs Senate sales tax bill

HELENA - With some Democratic support, the Senate Taxation Committee on Tuesday approved a sales tax plan that would provide up to $444 million in property and income tax relief by 2007.

The measure, passed 8-3, is expected to reach the Senate floor for debate Thursday. A similar sales tax bill also is headed to the House for debate this week.

The version of Senate Bill 470 approved Tuesday contains a 4 percent general sales tax that would take effect in mid-2004. It would raise an estimated $459 million the first year, with $230 million of that used for tax relief.

Another $137 million would...