ZAP tax is primed for extra innings

"The reason the polls have been good is (the ZAP tax) has fulfilled its promise thus far," Livingston said. "I think people see that it's a worthy investment."

The reauthorization committee has raised more than $200,000 for the campaign. Though much of that money came from arts organizations that are funded by ZAP, Livingston was careful to point out that all contributions came from private donations, not tax dollars.

It's a bit early for reauthorization as the tax doesn't expire for more than two years, but Livingston and other supporters say they want to get the highest level of participation possible, which occurs during presidential election years.

Another reason, downplayed by supporters, is that if voters reject reauthorization, they'll get another bite at the apple on the 2006 ballot, perhaps recasting the tax as happened during the first go-round in the 1990s.

A penny in sales tax for every $10 in goods and services may not seem like much, but it adds up: The tax generates about $15 million a year.

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