Inflation and food prices may draw attention to state food taxes

• The tax on groceries tends to have a bigger impact on people who earn less money, studies show.
• Republicans are pitting Democrats on inflation, pointing to high prices for groceries.
• With people being careful about how much they pay, this could make grocery store taxes more important, experts say.

WASHINGTON – As inflation rose and prices rose, Republican Glenn Youngkin made a simple campaign pledge during the Virginia governor’s race in 2021: He would eliminate the 2.5% grocery sales tax of State.

Virginia is one of 13 states that impose a tax on groceries – and with consumer prices rising, Youngkin has taken hold of the issue.