Yuma shoppers weigh in on grocery tax cap

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona voters have approved Proposition 316, limiting how cities can tax groceries in the future, but it won't automatically lower the taxes shoppers already pay.

In Yuma, the local grocery tax is 1.7%, in San Luis, Arizona, it's 4%, and in Somerton, it's 3.3%.

Prop 316 doesn't change those existing rates. Instead, cities will need voter approval to create a new grocery tax or increase an existing one... With any new or increased rate capped at 2 percent.

News 11 spoke with local shoppers, like Jean Bostic, about grocery prices, and what they think about the change.

"The grocery tax they could probably eliminate because there's other taxes and stuff that they could do, but I have no problem with it. So 2% cap is not bad," Bostic expressed.

Bostic said he'd like to see the grocery tax go away completely. In the meanwhile, he said buying in bulk is one way he tries to save money.

Ramon Salazar Rico, who shops in Yuma and San Luis, Mexico, said grocery prices are still taking a toll.

"Everything is expensive," Rico said.

He also said buying in bulk helps him save, and cut down on how often he has to make the trip.

"One goes here to stock up, or I go to the Sam's in Mexicali, the other ways are stocking up and avoiding going out," Rico explained.

However, when it comes to whether Prop 316 will make a difference at the grocery store, Bostic is not so sure.

"Probably not. I think they were going to end up. You're going to end up paying what you pay," Bostic remarked.

The new restrictions will take effect after June 30, 2027.