Several sales tax proposals were defeated in the 6 October 2009 vote in Alaska. A proposal to increase the sales tax rate in Sitka by 0.5% to finance road improvements and repairs was defeated. Fairbanks voters rejected the proposed 3% sales tax to fund police, fire protection and roadwork. Voters in Homer rejected the proposed 3% sales tax on nonprepared foods from 1 September to 31 May. Finally, Matanuska-Susitna Borough voters rejected the proposed 3% sales tax set to take effect in July 2010.

Ohio state funding cuts have forced at least 38 (as of 10/5/09) of the state’s 251 public library systems to seek funding through tax levies on the November 3rd ballot.  The Ohio library council states that the overall funding of libraries has dropped about 20% from 2008 to 2009.

A proposal to reduce the state excise tax on vehicles less than six years old will be included on an upcoming Maine ballot. This proposal will also eliminate sales tax on hybrids and other alternate energy vehicles, and exempt them from excise tax for three years.  Proponents of this measure say taxpayers could save money with these cuts, while some larger cities stand to lose revenue if it should pass.

Voters in Baton Rouge, LA will vote on a 0.05% sales tax increase on 14 November 2009. A similar sales tax increase was proposed and defeated in 2008.

Voters in the Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana will vote on a 1% sales tax increase on 11 November 2009. The proceeds of the increased sales tax would be used for fire protection.

Voters in Brookland, AR defeated the proposed 2% increase and annexation of 4,600 acres on 8 September 2009.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has called for a special session of the legislature beginning September 29 to review the recommendations made by the state’s Commission on the 21st Century Economy.  The Commission has finalized recommendations to improve California’s revenue system to be more reflective of the state’s economy.  The Commission recommends implementing the tax changes in 2012 that would eliminate the corporate income and state sales taxes, reduce personal income tax rates, establish a net receipts tax, and increase the state’s rainy day reserve fund. (Commission on the 21st Century Economy, Press Release, 29/09/2009)

The Georgia Department of Revenue is extending tax relief to the victims in 17 Georgia counties of severe storms and flooding that occurred on 18 September 2009. The postponement applies to all time sensitive filings and payments until 17 December 2009.