Jackson hotel taxes may increase

Clarion Ledger – 4/14/8

House Bill 1710 would give Jackson residents the chance to vote on whether to increase taxes on hotel rooms in the city. Revenue generated would be used to increase the salaries of police officers.

The bill failed last week in the House but was held for more debate. Some lawmakers had protested that it would hurt their pocketbooks.

Many legislators stay in hotel rooms during the session, which runs every year from January to April.

House lawmakers in that chamber today narrowly approved the legislation after it was changed to exempt patrons who stay in hotels for an extended period of time.