Hotel tax hike has slim chance, lawmaker says

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/7/8

A bill that would increase the hotel-motel occupancy tax from 75 cents to $4.25 per room per night has a slim chance of getting through the state Legislature.

Rep. Credell Calhoun, D-Jackson, is cautiously optimistic about House Bill 1710, which is meant to raise the salaries of Jackson police officers.

“There are a lot who are not against it, but they are not jumping up and down for it,” Calhoun said about the Hinds County delegation.

Last week, representatives from the Jackson Police Department made a presentation to Hinds County delegates about the bill, sponsored by Calhoun and Reps. Walter Robinson Jr., D-Bolton, and Alyce Clarke, D-Jackson.

The tax increase would provide police an additional $3 million to $5 million a year, Calhoun said.