Seattle made it official Monday night, trying to tax its way into a lower crime rate.
The city council voted 8-0 to approve a bill that would impose taxes on sales of both guns ($25 per weapon) and ammunition (2 cents to 5 cents per round, depending on the caliber), with the money designated for research into gun violence and other anti-gun programs.
“Gun violence is a public-health crisis in our city and our nation,” Council President Tim Burgess told the Seattle Times on Monday. “City government can and must pursue innovative gun-safety measures that save lives and save money. As it has in other areas of policy, Seattle can lead the way.”
Gun-rights groups have promised a legal fight, arguing, among other things, that state law does not allow cities to regulate firearms.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.
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