This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Gov. Gary Herbert and the Republican brethren in the Legislature are fond these days of characterizing the proposed ballot initiative to raise the state income tax by 7/8 percent to fund education as a 17.5 percent increase to the current tax rate. Oddly, for once, they are mathematically correct.

The brethren overwhelmingly disapproved of the proposed increase and based their opposition on a belief that raising the income tax rate will prevent out-of-state companies from opening businesses or relocating operations in Utah.

I've got news for them. Lowering the blood alcohol content level for DUI from .08 to .05, a 37.5 percent decrease, will prevent more out-of-state business relocations to Utah than the income tax hike ever could.

Well played, fellas. Let's keep the nonbelievers out and make this a pretty great state again.

Dave Draper

Ivins