The House has voted 53-17 in favor of HB 311, the tax bill sponsored by House GOP leaders that would lower top income tax rates, remove the sales tax from groceries while eliminating the grocery tax credit, and raise the fuel tax by 7 cents a gallon to 32 cents a gallon. That sends the bill to the Senate side. All 14 House Democrats voted against the bill; they were joined by three Republicans, Reps. Gayle Batt, Neil Anderson and Wendy Horman. All the “yes” votes came from House Republicans.

House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, in his closing debate in favor of the bill, told opponents, “I agree with you schools are important. Idaho is not going to have more money for schools, though, if you do not grow the economy. … This bill does that.” He said, “It moves the ball so Idaho can become more economically competitive with surrounding states.”

Immediately after the vote, the House recessed until 1:30.