/ Modified may 22, 2017 4:13 p.m.

Sales Tax Initiatives Ready for Tucsonans' Vote, Groups Say

Organizers say they have the signatures to send the tax questions to voters.

Cash register 101
Nick O'Gara, AZPM

Organizers of the Save Our Students and Friends of Reid Park Zoo say they’ve collected enough signatures to qualify for the November city ballot.

Strong Start Tucson would ask voters to increase the local sales tax rate to help pay for pre-kindergarten classes, and Friends of Reid Park Zoo would use a sales tax increase to pay for improvements at the zoo.

The chair of Strong Start Tucson, Penelope Jacks, said voter approval of a sales tax increase last week gives her hope.

“We think people really understand that if you want services you have to pay for them,” said Jacks.

Last week’s vote increased the city of Tucson sales tax to help pay for public safety and roads.

Backers of the zoo tax were also buoyed by the outcome of the special tax election.

“I believe in Tucson, and it shows our community does as well,” said Nancy Kluge with the Reid Park Zoological Society.

Both groups have until early July to turn over the necessary signatures to the city clerk. If they turn in enough, the initiatives would be on the November ballot in Tucson.

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