Double-Digit Sales Tax

I left you hanging in my earlier post with this question:

Would the governor’s proposed statewide 1.5-cent sales tax increase push the local tax measures — including this week’s approved increases for La Mesa and El Cajon — over a sales tax limit?

I heard from Anita Gore at the state Board of Equalization, who said local governments can tax up to two percent above the state sales tax rate. If Gov. Schwarzenegger’s tax hike is approved, the tax limit would raise to 10.75 percent, up from the 9.25 percent cap on sales taxes now.

— KELLY BENNETT