CenturyLink Plans to Invest if Personal Property Tax Killed

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A bill to repeal Idaho's $141 million personal property tax on businesses has yet to be unveiled in the Legislature. But already, at least one potential beneficiary is jumpstarting the debate by putting its tax savings where its mouth is. CenturyLink Inc. is one of the top 10 personal property taxpayers in Idaho.

Their lobbyist says the company intends to invest up to $2 million in savings from the repeal into the state's broadband infrastructure in addition to the company's existing plans. The gesture hopes to show lawmakers that projected economic benefits to big companies aren't empty promises.

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has made repeal of the tax a priority for 2013. His draft proposal for offsetting the revenue loss to local governments was circulated among lawmakers two weeks ago.