Supervisor Bilal Mahmood’s proposal to tax large companies that hold leases for vacant grocery stores or pharmacies in San Francisco is in danger of not making it to the ballot. Despite a poll showing 61 percent of San Franciscans approve of the measure, Supervisor Connie Chan decided not to schedule a hearing on the legislation.
Background
Mahmood’s measure is part of his ‘Affordable Groceries Act,’ which includes an ordinance to cut taxes for new pharmacies and another to create a fund for programs that bring cheaper groceries to the city. The tax would penalize companies like Amazon, which holds a lease for a vacant Whole Foods store in downtown San Francisco.
The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the California Grocers Association oppose the tax, arguing it would not help fill grocery store vacancies. Labor unions are also lukewarm on the measure. Mahmood must convince a subcommittee of the Board to vote in favor of holding a hearing in front of the entire Board of Supervisors to keep the measure alive.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
