Seattle citizens talk pros, cons of gun tax proposal

SEATTLE (AP) — A proposed new gun tax in Seattle to raise money for research on preventing and dealing with gun violence attracted applause from grannies and other activists and concerns from gun shop owners at its first hearing on Wednesday.

The shop owners told the Seattle City Council's Education and Governance Committee the proposal for a $25 tax on every firearm sale and 5 cents for every round of ammunition sold would send their customers out of the city and attract few new tax dollars.

Activists told the council they didn't care about the tax money and feel the proposal could help combat gun violence.

Both sides seem to agree a second proposal from City Council President Tim Burgees to require mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms is a good idea.