The Lorton Perspective: Do You Want A Bag Tax?

Buying groceries could get more expensive in the Commonwealth. Virginia Delegates Scott Surovell (D-44) and Joe Morrisey (D-74) recently introduced a bill that would charge shoppers 20 cents per plastic bag they take home from grocery stores. 

What do you think about the bag tax? Today, Patch asked some Lorton residents. 

Michelle Fowler, of Lorton, just walked out of the Shopper's Food Warehouse on Lorton Market Street: 

"I think it's a good idea because we need to start recycling for all of these bags. If we pay for the bags, we'll second guess ourselves and bring in our own cloth bags... And I don't believe in taxing everything, but I hate these plastic bags."

Carlos Carter, 14, was hanging out with his friends near Caribou Coffee on Lorton Market Street:

"A tax on bags? That's terrible...It's terrible because we need to be spending money on food. Food is more important than a shopping bag."

Carl Steele, 27, was in the group of friends. 

"It's not right. You're already spending money with groceries."

Adam McNeil, 22, doesn't want a bag tax.

"Everyone's in a crisis and why would you waste your money on plastic bags? 

Maurice Clarke is the owner of  in Lorton:

"Bad idea. I'm already paying taxes for the food. The bags should be complementary from the store. And I'm green. I do have bags that I normally take to the store, but I don't have them with me all the time."