As governments at all levels scramble to generate revenue in the current economic crisis, one sure-fire source of funds to which they always turn is taxes - more specifically, the so-called "sin taxes" imposed on things that are, if not actually sinful, then at least not quite socially acceptable. Taxes on tobacco products, liquor, and gambling winnings are examples of "sin taxes."
Now, you wouldn't think that a government would turn up its nose at a source of potential revenue, even revenue generated from a "sin tax," but it's happened - according to this story from the bucolic rural hamlet of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Taxation Committee of the state legislature has declined to impose a tax on prostitution. Prostitution, as it happens, is legal in Nevada, although it is generally frowned upon by those not engaged in it.
Oddly enough, the proposal to impose a $5.00 per act tax on on sex acts performed in legal brothels was proposed by a prostitutes' lobbying group and supported by Senator Bob Coffin (as senate bill SB369) as a way of helping the state overcome its fiscal woes in the wake of the downturn which has hit Nevada's gambling- and tourism-focused economy very hard.
Speaking of toxic assets...
Most of the state legislators recoiled in horror from the proposed tax, fearing the backlash from the religious right, and maintained that there were other, easier ways available to raise revenue. Those willing to comment said they feared that imposing a tax on prostitution might "...lend legitimacy and respectability to an industry that, while legal, is still heavily criticized" in the state whose motto is "All for our country." Really. Other opponents of the bill said it could encourage more illegal pimps and prostitutes to move to the state, and a psychologist and "prostitution researcher" (now there's an interesting job) called the proposed tax "an act of legislative pimping."
A check of the online survey which ran with the story showed that 872 people had voted thus far, of whom 677 (78%) favored the tax, 150 (17%) opposed it, and 45 (5%) "don't know."
All I know is that it seems like a good way to raise revenue, straighten out the state's finances, and get it out of the hole. So to speak.
Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.
Bilbo
8 comments:
Wha? wha? WHA?
You just couldn't resist the pun, could you? It's good that we can count on you to keep us abreast of things like this without screwing it up.
Wv: spoda - A spoft drink that you spip through a sptraw.
I never knew they were called "sin taxes". From the sounds of things, since prostitution is already legal then imposing a tax on it seems logical in these times.
For more creative ways to tax the poor, I refer you to NY. As of this week, The Accidental Governor is now taxing hospital visits, massages, movies, there's a "fat tax" on all non-diet sodas and beer in addition to the nickel deposit and 8% sales tax, and the list goes on! While I broke even with the Feds this year, I still owe NY $300 in income tax! Not long ago our local paper's headline was "Income Taxes and Welfare Benefits to Increase". A "sin tax" would only hurt our politicians in Albany while they put the screws to us.
* $5.00 per act *
Sheesh now I have to find another $5 a YEAR to pay the tax man...
You notice they didn't say if there would be a sliding scale based on the act performed.
$5.00 for the act plus $.10 for each change of direction while performing the act.
Andrea - you're cute when you're speechless!
Gilahi - I'm glad I left you a few opportunities...
Amanda - I think you're being too logical here...but I agree with you!
Debbie - You could always move...
Fiona - that was FAR more information than I needed to know...
Leslie - let's be careful, here - this is a PG-rated blog!
Mike - is that how they tax it in St Louis?
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