MN Senate considers expanding Sales Taxes

[Eric J in MN]

Minnesota may get Sales Tax on all clothing.

Also on "online goods, custom software, and box seats and suites at pro sporting events ...tattoos, dating services and personal lessons, such as those for dancing, golf or tennis."

http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/202634551.html?refer=y

This will hit the middle class. Sales Taxes are regressive. They should just raise income taxes on the rich, instead.

Also, the GOP will have a field day with expanded taxes. They can easily make campaign ads about it, and perhaps take back the governorship.

I emailed my State Rep and State Senator against expanding the Sales Tax. If you want to, there is contact info at:
http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/

[Jenoch]

1. I believe extending the sales tax to clothing is a bad idea.

Right now, millions of dollars are coming into Minnesota in the form of sales on tax-free clothing purchased by visitors from out of state, specifically at the Mall of America. That would dry up if clothing becomes a taxable purchase.

[progree]

2. A tax on services is a tax on mostly local labor. A tax on goods = tax on imports to a large extent

And as you said, the sales tax is the most regressive of the major taxes. And yes, it is fodder for Republican campaign ads (just like Obama's cuts to Social Security).

My legislators heard from me too. Thanks for posting the contact info ( http://www.gis.leg.mn/OpenLayers/districts/ )