IT’S ABOUT KIDS, NOT NUMBERS! -THE PROPOSAL Increase the sales tax in Lee County by a half-cent, from 6% to 6.5% per dollar, to fund school capital projects. -HOW MUCH MONEY WOULD THE SURTAX RAISE? Approximately $59 million annually for 10 years. -WHAT WOULD THE TAX PAY FOR? New school construction, renovation projects, safety and security improvements and technology upgrades. By law it cannot pay for salaries or bonuses. -WHEN WILL THE TAX INCREASE EXPIRE? The proposal calls for a limit of 10 years with the tax expiring on December 31, 2028. -WHO WOULD PAY THE TAX? Everyone who purchases taxable goods would pay the extra half-percent sales tax. Exempt items like groceries and medications still would not be taxed, and the additional half-percent tax would only be applied to the first $5,000 for large purchases. It’s estimated that 30 percent of the revenue generated would come from tourists. -HOW MUCH WILL I PAY? It’s estimated a family of four with an average income of $50,000 would pay an additional $64 per year